[1:1] In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[1:2] Praise be to ALLAH, Lord of the universe.

[1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment.

[1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help.

[1:6] Guide us in the right path:

[1:7] the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers.

[2:0] In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[2:1] A.L.M.

[2:2] This scripture is infallible; a beacon for the righteous;

[2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

[2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain.

[2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners.

[2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe.

[2:7] ALLAH seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution.

[2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in ALLAH and the Last Day," while they are not believers.

[2:9] In trying to deceive ALLAH and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving.

[2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, ALLAH augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying.

[2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous."

[2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive.

[2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know.

[2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking."

[2:15] ALLAH mocks them, and leads them on in their transgressions, blundering.

[2:16] It is they who bought the straying, at the expense of guidance. Such trade never prospers, nor do they receive any guidance.

[2:17] Their example is like those who start a fire, then, as it begins to shed light around them, ALLAH takes away their light, leaving them in darkness, unable to see.

[2:18] Deaf, dumb, and blind; they fail to return.

[2:19] Another example: a rainstorm from the sky in which there is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears, to evade death. ALLAH is fully aware of the disbelievers.

[2:20] The lightning almost snatches away their eyesight. When it lights for them, they move forward, and when it turns dark, they stand still. If ALLAH wills, He can take away their hearing and their eyesight. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[2:21] O people, worship only your Lord - the One who created you and those before you - that you may be saved.

[2:22] The One who made the Earth habitable for you, and the sky a structure. He sends down from the sky water, to produce all kinds of fruits for your sustenance. You shall not set up idols to rival ALLAH, now that you know.

[2:23] If you have any doubt regarding what we revealed to our servant, then produce one sura like these, and call upon your own witnesses against ALLAH, if you are truthful.

[2:24] If you cannot do this - and you can never do this - then beware of the Hellfire, whose fuel is people and rocks; it awaits the disbelievers.

[2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens with flowing streams. When provided with a provision of fruits therein, they will say, "This is what was provided for us previously." Thus, they are given allegorical descriptions. They will have pure spouses therein, and they abide therein forever.

[2:26] ALLAH does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, from the tiny mosquito and greater. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did ALLAH mean by such an allegory?" He misleads many thereby, and guides many thereby. But He never misleads thereby except the wicked,

[2:27] who violate ALLAH's covenant after pledging to uphold it, sever what ALLAH has commanded to be joined, and commit evil. These are the losers.

[2:28] How can you disbelieve in ALLAH when you were dead and He gave you life, then He puts you to death, then He brings you back to life, then to Him you ultimately return?

[2:29] He is the One who created for you everything on Earth, then turned to the sky and perfected seven universes therein, and He is fully aware of all things.

[2:30] Recall that your Lord said to the angels, "I am placing a representative (a temporary god) on Earth." They said, "Will You place therein one who will spread evil therein and shed blood, while we sing Your praises, glorify You, and uphold Your absolute authority?" He said, "I know what you do not know."

[2:31] He taught Adam all the names then presented them to the angels, saying, "Give me the names of these, if you are right."

[2:32] They said, "Be You glorified, we have no knowledge, except that which You have taught us. You are the Omniscient, Most Wise."

[2:33] He said, "O Adam, tell them their names." When he told them their names, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the Heavens and the earth? I know what you declare, and what you conceal."

[2:34] When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever.

[2:35] We said, "O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin."

[2:36] But the devil duped them, and caused their eviction therefrom. We said, "Go down as enemies of one another. On Earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile."

[2:37] Then, Adam received from his Lord words, whereby He redeemed him. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[2:38] We said, "Go down therefrom, all of you. When guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance will have no fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:39] "As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they will be dwellers of Hell, wherein they abide forever."

[2:40] O Children of Israel, remember My favor, which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your part of the covenant, that I fulfill My part of the covenant, and reverence Me.

[2:41] You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have; do not be the first to reject it. Do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price, and observe Me.

[2:42] Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor shall you conceal the truth, knowingly.

[2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.

[2:44] Do you exhort the people to be righteous, while forgetting yourselves, though you read the scripture? Do you not understand?

[2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent,

[2:46] who believe that they will meet their Lord; that to Him they ultimately return.

[2:47] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people.

[2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped.

[2:49] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord.

[2:50] Recall that we parted the sea for you; we saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your eyes.

[2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshipped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked.

[2:52] Still, we pardoned you thereafter that you may be appreciative.

[2:53] Recall that we gave Moses scripture and the statute book, that you may be guided.

[2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshipping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[2:55] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we will not believe unless we see ALLAH, physically." Consequently, the lightning struck you, as you looked.

[2:56] We then revived you, after you had died, that you may be appreciative.

[2:57] We shaded you with clouds (in Sinai), and sent down to you manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." They did not hurt us (by rebelling); they only hurt their own souls.

[2:58] Recall that we said, "Enter this town, where you will find as many provisions as you like. Just enter the gate humbly, and treat the people nicely. We will then forgive your sins, and increase the reward for the pious."

[2:59] But the wicked among them carried out commands other than the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent down upon the transgressors condemnation from the sky, due to their wickedness.

[2:60] Recall that Moses sought water for his people. We said, "Strike the rock with your staff." Whereupon, twelve springs gushed out therefrom. The members of each tribe knew their own water. Eat and drink from ALLAH's provisions, and do not roam the Earth corruptingly.

[2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from ALLAH. This is because they rejected ALLAH's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in ALLAH, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:63] We made a covenant with you, as we raised Mount Sinai above you: "You shall uphold what we have given you strongly, and remember its contents, that you may be saved."

[2:64] But you turned away thereafter, and if it were not for ALLAH's grace towards you and His mercy, you would have been doomed.

[2:65] You have known about those among you who desecrated the Sabbath. We said to them, "Be you as despicable as apes."

[2:66] We set them up as an example for their generation, as well as subsequent generations, and an enlightenment for the righteous.

[2:67] Moses said to his people, "ALLAH commands you to sacrifice a heifer." They said, "Are you mocking us?" He said, "ALLAH forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones."

[2:68] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one." He said, "He says that she is a heifer that is neither too old, nor too young; of an intermediate age. Now, carry out what you are commanded to do."

[2:69] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us her color." He said, "He says that she is a yellow heifer, bright colored, pleases the beholders."

[2:70] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one. The heifers look alike to us and, ALLAH willing, we will be guided."

[2:71] He said, "He says that she is a heifer that was never humiliated in plowing the land or watering the crops; free from any blemish." They said, "Now you have brought the truth." They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance.

[2:72] You had killed a soul, then disputed among yourselves. ALLAH was to expose what you tried to conceal.

[2:73] We said, "Strike (the victim) with part (of the heifer)." That is when ALLAH brought the victim back to life, and showed you His signs, that you may understand.

[2:74] Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of reverence for ALLAH. ALLAH is never unaware of anything you do.

[2:75] Do you expect them to believe as you do, when some of them used to hear the word of ALLAH, then distort it, with full understanding thereof, and deliberately?

[2:76] And when they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when they get together with each other, they say, "Do not inform (the believers) of the information given to you by ALLAH, lest you provide them with support for their argument concerning your Lord. Do you not understand?"

[2:77] Do they not know that ALLAH knows everything they conceal, and everything they declare?

[2:78] Among them are gentiles who do not know the scripture, except through hearsay, then assume that they know it.

[2:79] Therefore, woe to those who distort the scripture with their own hands, then say, "This is what ALLAH has revealed," seeking a cheap material gain. Woe to them for such distortion, and woe to them for their illicit gains.

[2:80] Some have said, "Hell will not touch us, except for a limited number of days." Say, "Have you taken such a pledge from ALLAH - ALLAH never breaks His pledge - or, are you saying about ALLAH what you do not know?"

[2:81] Indeed, those who earn sins and become surrounded by their evil work will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide in it forever.

[2:82] As for those who believe, and lead a righteous life, they will be the dwellers of Paradise; they abide in it forever.

[2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except ALLAH. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)." But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse.

[2:84] We made a covenant with you, that you shall not shed your blood, nor shall you evict each other from your homes. You agreed and bore witness.

[2:85] Yet, here you are killing each other, and evicting some of you from their homes, banding against them sinfully and maliciously. Even when they surrendered, you demanded ransom from them. Evicting them was prohibited for you in the first place. Do you believe in part of the scripture and disbelieve in part? What should be the retribution for those among you who do this, except humiliation in this life, and a far worse retribution on the Day of Resurrection? ALLAH is never unaware of anything you do.

[2:86] It is they who bought this lowly life at the expense of the Hereafter. Consequently, the retribution is never commuted for them, nor can they be helped.

[2:87] We gave Moses the scripture, and subsequent to him we sent other messengers, and we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it not a fact that every time a messenger went to you with anything you disliked, your ego caused you to be arrogant? Some of them you rejected, and some of them you killed.

[2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from ALLAH, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them.

[2:89] When this scripture came to them from ALLAH, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. ALLAH's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.

[2:90] Miserable indeed is what they sold their souls for - rejecting these revelations of ALLAH out of sheer resentment that ALLAH should bestow His grace upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. Consequently, they incurred wrath upon wrath. The disbelievers have incurred a humiliating retribution.

[2:91] When they are told, "You shall believe in these revelations of ALLAH," they say, "We believe only in what was sent down to us." Thus, they disbelieve in subsequent revelations, even if it is the truth from their Lord, and even though it confirms what they have! Say, "Why then did you kill ALLAH's prophets, if you were believers?"

[2:92] Moses went to you with profound miracles, yet you worshipped the calf in his absence, and you turned wicked.

[2:93] We made a covenant with you, as we raised Mount Sinai above you, saying, "You shall uphold the commandments we have given you, strongly, and listen." They said, "We hear, but we disobey." Their hearts became filled with adoration for the calf, due to their disbelief. Say, "Miserable indeed is what your faith dictates upon you, if you do have any faith."

[2:94] Say, "If the abode of the Hereafter is reserved for you at ALLAH, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death, if you are truthful."

[2:95] They never long for it, because of what their hands have sent forth. ALLAH is fully aware of the wicked.

[2:96] In fact, you will find them the most covetous of life; even more so than the idol worshipers. The one of them wishes to live a thousand years. But this will not spare him any retribution, no matter how long he lives. ALLAH is seer of everything they do.

[2:97] Say, "Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (Quran) into your heart, in accordance with ALLAH's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers."

[2:98] Anyone who opposes ALLAH, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael, should know that ALLAH opposes the disbelievers.

[2:99] We have sent down to you such clear revelations, and only the wicked will reject them.

[2:100] Is it not a fact that when they make a covenant and pledge to keep it, some of them always disregard it? In fact, most of them do not believe.

[2:101] Now that a messenger from ALLAH has come to them, and even though he proves and confirms their own scripture, some followers of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) disregard ALLAH's scripture behind their backs, as if they never had any scripture.

[2:102] They pursued what the devils taught concerning Solomon's kingdom. Solomon, however, was not a disbeliever, but the devils were disbelievers. They taught the people sorcery, and that which was sent down through the two angels of Babel, Haroot and Maroot. These two did not divulge such knowledge without pointing out: "This is a test. You shall not abuse such knowledge." But the people used it in such evil schemes as the breaking up of marriages. They can never harm anyone against the will of ALLAH. They thus learn what hurts them, not what benefits them, and they know full well that whoever practices witchcraft will have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they sell their souls for, if they only knew.

[2:103] If they believe and lead a righteous life, the reward from ALLAH is far better, if they only knew.

[2:104] O you who believe, do not say, "Raa`ena" (be our shepherd). Instead, you should say, "Unzurna" (watch over us), and listen. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.

[2:105] Neither the disbelievers among the followers of the scripture, nor the idol worshipers, wish to see any blessings come down to you from your Lord. However, ALLAH showers His blessings upon whomever He chooses. ALLAH possesses infinite grace.

[2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that ALLAH is Omnipotent?

[2:107] Do you not recognize the fact that ALLAH possesses the kingship of the Heavens and the Earth; that you have none besides ALLAH as your Lord and Master?

[2:108] Do you wish to demand of your messenger what was demanded of Moses in the past? Anyone who chooses disbelief, instead of belief, has truly strayed off the right path.

[2:109] Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until ALLAH issues His judgment. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at ALLAH. ALLAH is seer of everything you do.

[2:111] Some have said, "No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!" Such is their wishful thinking. Say, "Show us your proof, if you are right."

[2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to ALLAH alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:113] The Jews said, "The Christians have no basis," while the Christians said, "The Jews have no basis." Yet, both of them read the scripture. Such are the utterances of those who possess no knowledge. ALLAH will judge them on the Day of Resurrection, regarding their disputes.

[2:114] Who are more evil than those who boycott ALLAH's masjids, where His name is commemorated, and contribute to their desertion? These ought not to enter therein except fearfully. They will suffer in this life humiliation, and will suffer in the Hereafter a terrible retribution.

[2:115] To ALLAH belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of ALLAH. ALLAH is Omnipresent, Omniscient.

[2:116] They said, "ALLAH has begotten a son!" Be He glorified; never! To Him belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth; all are subservient to Him.

[2:117] The Initiator of the Heavens and the Earth: to have anything done, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is.

[2:118] Those who possess no knowledge say, "If only ALLAH could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!" Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty.

[2:119] We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. You are not answerable for those who incur Hell.

[2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, "ALLAH's guidance is the true guidance." If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against ALLAH.

[2:121] Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers.

[2:122] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people.

[2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped.

[2:124] Recall that Abraham was put to the test by his Lord, through certain commands, and he fulfilled them. (ALLAH) said, "I am appointing you an imam for the people." He said, "And also my descendants?" He said, "My covenant does not include the transgressors."

[2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka`aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate."

[2:126] Abraham prayed: "My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and provide its people with fruits. Provide for those who believe in ALLAH and the Last Day." (ALLAH) said, "I will also provide for those who disbelieve. I will let them enjoy, temporarily, then commit them to the retribution of Hell, and a miserable destiny."

[2:127] As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they prayed): "Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Omniscient.

[2:128] "Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants let there be a community of submitters to You. Teach us the rites of our religion, and redeem us. You are the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[2:129] "Our Lord, and raise among them a messenger to recite to them Your revelations, teach them the scripture and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, Most Wise."

[2:130] Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.

[2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe."

[2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, ALLAH has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters."

[2:133] Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters."

[2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done.

[2:135] They said, "You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided." Say, "We follow the religion of Abraham - monotheism - he never was an idol worshiper."

[2:136] Say, "We believe in ALLAH, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

[2:137] If they believe as you do, then they are guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition. ALLAH will spare you their opposition; He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

[2:138] Such is ALLAH's system, and whose system is better than ALLAH's? "Him alone we worship."

[2:139] Say, "Do you argue with us about ALLAH, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. To Him alone we are devoted."

[2:140] Do you say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs were Jewish or Christian? Say, "Do you know better than ALLAH? Who is more evil than one who conceals a testimony he has learned from ALLAH? ALLAH is never unaware of anything you do."

[2:141] That was a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they did.

[2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To ALLAH belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path."

[2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by ALLAH. ALLAH never puts your worship to waste. ALLAH is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful.

[2:144] We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. ALLAH is never unaware of anything they do.

[2:145] Even if you show the followers of the scripture every kind of miracle, they will not follow your Qiblah. Nor shall you follow their Qiblah. They do not even follow each others' Qiblah. If you acquiesce to their wishes, after the knowledge that has come to you, you will belong with the transgressors.

[2:146] Those who received the scripture recognize the truth herein, as they recognize their own children. Yet, some of them conceal the truth, knowingly.

[2:147] This is the truth from your Lord; do not harbor any doubt.

[2:148] Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, ALLAH will summon you all. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[2:149] Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid. This is the truth from your Lord. ALLAH is never unaware of anything you all do.

[2:150] Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid; wherever you might be, you shall turn your faces (during Salat) towards it. Thus, the people will have no argument against you, except the transgressors among them. Do not fear them, and fear Me instead. I will then perfect My blessings upon you, that you may be guided.

[2:151] (Blessings) such as the sending of a messenger from among you to recite our revelations to you, purify you, teach you the scripture and wisdom, and to teach you what you never knew.

[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.

[2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). ALLAH is with those who steadfastly persevere.

[2:154] Do not say of those who are killed in the cause of ALLAH, "They are dead." They are alive at their Lord, but you do not perceive.

[2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.

[2:156] When an affliction befalls them, they say, "We belong to ALLAH, and to Him we are returning."

[2:157] These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.

[2:158] The knolls of Safa and Marwah are among the rites decreed by ALLAH. Anyone who observes Hajj or `Umrah commits no error by traversing the distance between them. If one volunteers more righteous works, then ALLAH is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[2:159] Those who conceal our revelations and guidance, after proclaiming them for the people in the scripture, are condemned by ALLAH; they are condemned by all the condemners.

[2:160] As for those who repent, reform, and proclaim, I redeem them. I am the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[2:161] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, have incurred the condemnation of ALLAH, the angels, and all the people (on the Day of Judgment).

[2:162] Eternally they abide therein. The retribution is never commuted for them, nor are they reprieved.

[2:163] Your god is one god; there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[2:164] In the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, the alternation of night and day, the ships that roam the ocean for the benefit of the people, the water that ALLAH sends down from the sky to revive dead land and to spread in it all kinds of creatures, the manipulation of the winds, and the clouds that are placed between the sky and the Earth, there are sufficient proofs for people who understand.

[2:165] Yet, some people set up idols to rival ALLAH, and love them as if they are ALLAH. Those who believe love ALLAH the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to ALLAH alone, and that ALLAH's retribution is awesome.

[2:166] Those who were followed will disown those who followed them. They will see the retribution, and all ties among them will be severed.

[2:167] Those who followed will say, "If we can get another chance, we will disown them, as they have disowned us now." ALLAH thus shows them the consequences of their works as nothing but remorse; they will never exit Hell.

[2:168] O people, eat from the Earth's products all that is lawful and good, and do not follow the steps of Satan; he is your most ardent enemy.

[2:169] He only commands you to commit evil and vice, and to say about ALLAH what you do not know.

[2:170] When they are told, "Follow what ALLAH has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided?

[2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand.

[2:172] O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to ALLAH, if you do worship Him alone.

[2:173] He only prohibits for you the eating of animals that die of themselves (without human interference), blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than ALLAH. If one is forced (to eat these), without being malicious or deliberate, he incurs no sin. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:174] Those who conceal ALLAH's revelations in the scripture, in exchange for a cheap material gain, eat but fire into their bellies. ALLAH will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[2:175] It is they who chose the straying instead of guidance, and the retribution instead of forgiveness. Consequently, they will have to endure Hell.

[2:176] This is because ALLAH has revealed this scripture, bearing the truth, and those who dispute the scripture are the most ardent opponents.

[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in ALLAH, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.

[2:178] O you who believe, equivalence is the law decreed for you when dealing with murder - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. If one is pardoned by the victim's kin, an appreciative response is in order, and an equitable compensation shall be paid. This is an alleviation from your Lord and mercy. Anyone who transgresses beyond this incurs a painful retribution.

[2:179] Equivalence is a life saving law for you, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.

[2:180] It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

[2:181] If anyone alters a will he had heard, the sin of altering befalls those responsible for such altering. ALLAH is Hearer, Knower.

[2:182] If one sees gross injustice or bias on the part of a testator, and takes corrective action to restore justice to the will, he commits no sin. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.

[2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.

[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. ALLAH wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify ALLAH for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.

[2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. ALLAH knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what ALLAH has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are ALLAH's laws; you shall not transgress them. ALLAH thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.

[2:188] You shall not take each others' money illicitly, nor shall you bribe the officials to deprive others of some of their rights illicitly, while you know.

[2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe ALLAH, that you may succeed.

[2:190] You may fight in the cause of ALLAH against those who attack you, but do not aggress. ALLAH does not love the aggressors.

[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Masjid, unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers.

[2:192] If they refrain, then ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship ALLAH freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors.

[2:194] During the Sacred Months, aggression may be met by an equivalent response. If they attack you, you may retaliate by inflicting an equitable retribution. You shall observe ALLAH and know that ALLAH is with the righteous.

[2:195] You shall spend in the cause of ALLAH; do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction. You shall be charitable; ALLAH loves the charitable.

[2:196] You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and `Umrah for ALLAH. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) between `Umrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten - provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe ALLAH, and know that ALLAH is strict in enforcing retribution.

[2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, ALLAH is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.

[2:198] You commit no error by seeking provisions from your Lord (through commerce). When you file from `Arafaat, you shall commemorate ALLAH at the Sacred Location (of Muzdalifah). You shall commemorate Him for guiding you; before this, you had gone astray.

[2:199] You shall file together, with the rest of the people who file, and ask ALLAH for forgiveness. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:200] Once you complete your rites, you shall continue to commemorate ALLAH as you commemorate your own parents, or even better. Some people would say, "Our Lord, give us of this world," while having no share in the Hereafter.

[2:201] Others would say, "Our Lord, grant us righteousness in this world, and righteousness in the Hereafter, and spare us the retribution of Hell."

[2:202] Each of these will receive the share they have earned. ALLAH is most efficient in reckoning.

[2:203] You shall commemorate ALLAH for a number of days (in Mena); whoever hastens to do this in two days commits no sin, and whoever stays longer commits no sin, so long as righteousness is maintained. You shall observe ALLAH, and know that before Him you will be gathered.

[2:204] Among the people, one may impress you with his utterances concerning this life, and may even call upon ALLAH to witness his innermost thoughts, while he is a most ardent opponent.

[2:205] As soon as he leaves, he roams the Earth corruptingly, destroying properties and lives. ALLAH does not love corruption.

[2:206] When he is told, "Observe ALLAH," he becomes arrogantly indignant. Consequently, his only destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode.

[2:207] Then there are those who dedicate their lives to serving ALLAH; ALLAH is compassionate towards such worshipers.

[2:208] O you who believe, you shall embrace total submission; do not follow the steps of Satan, for he is your most ardent enemy.

[2:209] If you backslide, after the clear proofs have come to you, then know that ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[2:210] Are they waiting until ALLAH Himself comes to them in dense clouds, together with the angels? When this happens, the whole matter will be terminated, and to ALLAH everything will be returned.

[2:211] Ask the Children of Israel how many profound miracles have we shown them! For those who disregard the blessings bestowed upon them by ALLAH, ALLAH is most strict in retribution.

[2:212] This worldly life is adorned in the eyes of the disbelievers, and they ridicule those who believe. However, the righteous will be far above them on the Day of Resurrection. ALLAH blesses whomever He wills, without limits.

[2:213] The people used to be one community when ALLAH sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes. Ironically, those who received the scripture were the ones who rejected any new scripture, despite clear proofs given to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. ALLAH guides those who believe to the truth that is disputed by all others, in accordance with His will. ALLAH guides whoever wills in a straight path.

[2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is ALLAH's victory?" ALLAH's victory is near.

[2:215] They ask you about giving: say, "The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien." Any good you do, ALLAH is fully aware thereof.

[2:216] Fighting may be imposed on you, even though you dislike it. But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. ALLAH knows while you do not know.

[2:217] They ask you about the Sacred Months and fighting therein: say, "Fighting therein is a sacrilege. However, repelling from the path of ALLAH and disbelieving in Him and in the sanctity of the Sacred Masjid, and evicting its people, are greater sacrileges in the sight of ALLAH. Oppression is worse than murder." They will always fight you to revert you from your religion, if they can. Those among you who revert from their religion, and die as disbelievers, have nullified their works in this life and the Hereafter. These are the dwellers of Hell, wherein they abide forever.

[2:218] Those who believe, and those who emigrate and strive in the cause of ALLAH, have deserved ALLAH's mercy. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:219] They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, "In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit." They also ask you what to give to charity: say, "The excess." ALLAH thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect,

[2:220] upon this life and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans: say, "Bringing them up as righteous persons is the best you can do for them. If you mix their property with yours, you shall treat them as family members." ALLAH knows the righteous and the wicked. Had ALLAH willed, He could have imposed harsher rules upon you. ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[2:221] Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while ALLAH invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed.

[2:222] They ask you about menstruation: say, "It is harmful; you shall avoid sexual intercourse with the women during menstruation; do not approach them until they are rid of it. Once they are rid of it, you may have intercourse with them in the manner designed by ALLAH. ALLAH loves the repenters, and He loves those who are clean."

[2:223] Your women are the bearers of your seed. Thus, you may enjoy this privilege however you like, so long as you maintain righteousness. You shall observe ALLAH, and know that you will meet Him. Give good news to the believers.

[2:224] Do not subject ALLAH's name to your casual swearing, that you may appear righteous, pious, or to attain credibility among the people. ALLAH is Hearer, Knower.

[2:225] ALLAH does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your innermost intentions. ALLAH is Forgiver, Clement.

[2:226] Those who intend to divorce their wives shall wait four months (cooling off); if they change their minds and reconcile, then ALLAH is Forgiver, Merciful.

[2:227] If they go through with the divorce, then ALLAH is Hearer, Knower.

[2:228] The divorced women shall wait three menstruations (before marrying another man). It is not lawful for them to conceal what ALLAH creates in their wombs, if they believe in ALLAH and the Last Day. (In case of pregnancy,) the husband's wishes shall supersede the wife's wishes, if he wants to remarry her. The women have rights, as well as obligations, equitably. Thus, the man's wishes prevail (in case of pregnancy). ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[2:229] Divorce may be retracted twice. The divorced woman shall be allowed to live in the same home amicably, or leave it amicably. It is not lawful for the husband to take back anything he had given her. However, the couple may fear that they may transgress ALLAH's law. If there is fear that they may transgress ALLAH's law, they commit no error if the wife willingly gives back whatever she chooses. These are ALLAH's laws; do not transgress them. Those who transgress ALLAH's laws are the unjust.

[2:230] If he divorces her (for the third time), it is unlawful for him to remarry her, unless she marries another man, then he divorces her. The first husband can then remarry her, so long as they observe ALLAH's laws. These are ALLAH's laws; He explains them for people who know.

[2:231] If you divorce the women, once they fulfill their interim (three menstruations), you shall allow them to live in the same home amicably, or let them leave amicably. Do not force them to stay against their will, as a revenge. Anyone who does this wrongs his own soul. Do not take ALLAH's revelations in vain. Remember ALLAH's blessings upon you, and that He sent down to you the scripture and wisdom to enlighten you. You shall observe ALLAH, and know that ALLAH is aware of all things.

[2:232] If you divorce the women, once they fulfill their interim, do not prevent them from remarrying their husbands, if they reconcile amicably. This shall be heeded by those among you who believe in ALLAH and the Last Day. This is purer for you, and more righteous. ALLAH knows, while you do not know.

[2:233] Divorced mothers shall nurse their infants two full years, if the father so wishes. The father shall provide the mother's food and clothing equitably. No one shall be burdened beyond his ability. No mother shall be harmed on account of her infant, nor shall the father be harmed because of his infant. (If the father dies), his inheritor shall assume these responsibilities. If the infant's parents mutually agree to part, after due consultation, they commit no error by doing so. You commit no error by hiring nursing mothers, so long as you pay them equitably. You shall observe ALLAH, and know that ALLAH is Seer of everything you do.

[2:234] Those who die and leave wives, their widows shall wait four months and ten days (before they remarry). Once they fulfill their interim, you commit no error by letting them do whatever righteous matters they wish to do. ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[2:235] You commit no sin by announcing your engagement to the women, or keeping it secret. ALLAH knows that you will think about them. Do not meet them secretly, unless you have something righteous to discuss. Do not consummate the marriage until their interim is fulfilled. You should know that ALLAH knows your innermost thoughts, and observe Him. You should know that ALLAH is Forgiver, Clement.

[2:236] You commit no error by divorcing the women before touching them, or before setting the dowry for them. In this case, you shall compensate them - the rich as he can afford and the poor as he can afford - an equitable compensation. This is a duty upon the righteous.

[2:237] If you divorce them before touching them, but after you had set the dowry for them, the compensation shall be half the dowry, unless they voluntarily forfeit their rights, or the party responsible for causing the divorce chooses to forfeit the dowry. To forfeit is closer to righteousness. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. ALLAH is Seer of everything you do.

[2:238] You shall consistently observe the Contact Prayers, especially the middle prayer, and devote yourselves totally to ALLAH.

[2:239] Under unusual circumstances, you may pray while walking or riding. Once you are safe, you shall commemorate ALLAH as He taught you what you never knew.

[2:240] Those who die and leave wives, a will shall provide their wives with support for a year, provided they stay within the same household. If they leave, you commit no sin by letting them do whatever they wish, so long as righteousness is maintained. ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[2:241] The divorcees also shall be provided for, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

[2:242] ALLAH thus explains His revelations for you, that you may understand.

[2:243] Have you noted those who fled their homes - though they were in the thousands - fearing death? ALLAH said to them, "Die," then revived them. ALLAH showers His grace upon the people, but most people are unappreciative.

[2:244] You shall fight in the cause of ALLAH, and know that ALLAH is Hearer, Knower.

[2:245] Who would lend ALLAH a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? ALLAH is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

[2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of ALLAH." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of ALLAH, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. ALLAH is aware of the transgressors.

[2:247] Their prophet said to them, "ALLAH has appointed Taloot (Saul) to be your king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than he; he is not even rich?" He said, "ALLAH has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with an abundance in knowledge and in body." ALLAH grants His kingship to whomever He wills. ALLAH is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[2:248] Their prophet said to them, "The sign of his kingship is that the Ark of the Covenant will be restored to you, bringing assurances from your Lord, and relics left by the people of Moses and the people of Aaron. It will be carried by the angels. This should be a convincing sign for you, if you are really believers."

[2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "ALLAH is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me - only those who do not taste it belong with me - unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting ALLAH said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by ALLAH's leave. ALLAH is with those who steadfastly persevere."

[2:250] When they faced Goliath and his troops, they prayed, "Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, strengthen our foothold, and support us against the disbelieving people."

[2:251] They defeated them by ALLAH's leave, and David killed Goliath. ALLAH gave him kingship and wisdom, and taught him as He willed. If it were not for ALLAH's support of some people against others, there would be chaos on Earth. But ALLAH showers His grace upon the people.

[2:252] These are ALLAH's revelations. We recite them through you, truthfully, for you are one of the messengers.

[2:253] These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, ALLAH spoke to one, and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had ALLAH willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; some of them believed, and some disbelieved. Had ALLAH willed, they would not have fought. Everything is in accordance with ALLAH's will.

[2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust.

[2:255] ALLAH: there is no other god besides Him, the Living, the Eternal. Never a moment of unawareness or slumber overtakes Him. To Him belongs everything in the Heavens and everything on Earth. Who could intercede with Him, except in accordance with His will? He knows their past, and their future. No one attains any knowledge, except as He wills. His dominion encompasses the Heavens and the Earth, and ruling them never burdens Him. He is the Most High, the Great.

[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in ALLAH has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. ALLAH is Hearer, Omniscient.

[2:257] ALLAH is Lord of those who believe; He leads them out of darkness into the light. As for those who disbelieve, their lords are their idols; they lead them out of the light into darkness - these will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide in it forever.

[2:258] Have you noted the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord, though ALLAH had given him kingship? Abraham said, "My Lord grants life and death." He said, "I grant life and death." Abraham said, "ALLAH brings the sun from the east, can you bring it from the west?" The disbeliever was stumped. ALLAH does not guide the wicked.

[2:259] Consider the one who passed by a ghost town and wondered, "How can ALLAH revive this after it had died?" ALLAH then put him to death for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have been here a day, or part of the day." He said, "No! You have been here a hundred years. Yet, look at your food and drink; they did not spoil. Look at your donkey - we thus render you a lesson for the people. Now, note how we construct the bones, then cover them with flesh." When he realized what had happened, he said, "Now I know that ALLAH is Omnipotent."

[2:260] Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You revive the dead." He said, "Do you not believe?" He said, "Yes, but I wish to reassure my heart." He said, "Take four birds, study their marks, place a piece of each bird on top of a hill, then call them to you. They will come to you in a hurry. You should know that ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise."

[2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of ALLAH is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. ALLAH multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. ALLAH is Bounteous, Knower.

[2:262] Those who spend their money in the cause of ALLAH, then do not follow their charity with insult or harm, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. ALLAH is Rich, Clement.

[2:264] O you who believe, do not nullify your charities by inflicting reproach and insult, like one who spends his money to show off, while disbelieving in ALLAH and the Last Day. His example is like a rock covered with a thin layer of soil; as soon as heavy rain falls, it washes off the soil, leaving it a useless rock. They gain nothing from their efforts. ALLAH does not guide disbelieving people.

[2:265] The example of those who give their money seeking ALLAH's pleasure, out of sincere conviction, is that of a garden on high fertile soil; when heavy rain falls, it gives twice as much crop. If heavy rain is not available, a drizzle will suffice. ALLAH is Seer of everything you do.

[2:266] Does any of you wish to own a garden of palm trees and grapes, with flowing streams and generous crops, then, just as he grows old, and while his children are still dependent on him, a holocaust strikes and burns up his garden? ALLAH thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect.

[2:267] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the good things you earn, and from what we have produced for you from the Earth. Do not pick out the bad therein to give away, when you yourselves do not accept it unless your eyes are closed. You should know that ALLAH is Rich, Praiseworthy.

[2:268] The devil promises you poverty and commands you to commit evil, while ALLAH promises you forgiveness from Him and grace. ALLAH is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[2:270] Any charity you give, or a charitable pledge you fulfill, ALLAH is fully aware thereof. As for the wicked, they will have no helpers.

[2:271] If you declare your charities, they are still good. But if you keep them anonymous, and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and remits more of your sins. ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. ALLAH is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of ALLAH. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.

[2:273] Charity shall go to the poor who are suffering in the cause of ALLAH, and cannot emigrate. The unaware may think that they are rich, due to their dignity. But you can recognize them by certain signs; they never beg from the people persistently. Whatever charity you give, ALLAH is fully aware thereof.

[2:274] Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:275] Those who charge usury are in the same position as those controlled by the devil's influence. This is because they claim that usury is the same as commerce. However, ALLAH permits commerce, and prohibits usury. Thus, whoever heeds this commandment from his Lord, and refrains from usury, he may keep his past earnings, and his judgment rests with ALLAH. As for those who persist in usury, they incur Hell, wherein they abide forever.

[2:276] ALLAH condemns usury, and blesses charities. ALLAH dislikes every disbeliever, guilty.

[2:277] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:278] O you who believe, you shall observe ALLAH and refrain from all kinds of usury, if you are believers.

[2:279] If you do not, then expect a war from ALLAH and His messenger. But if you repent, you may keep your capitals, without inflicting injustice, or incurring injustice.

[2:280] If the debtor is unable to pay, wait for a better time. If you give up the loan as a charity, it would be better for you, if you only knew.

[2:281] Beware of the day when you are returned to ALLAH, and every soul is paid for everything it had done, without the least injustice.

[2:282] O you who believe, when you transact a loan for any period, you shall write it down. An impartial scribe shall do the writing. No scribe shall refuse to perform this service, according to ALLAH's teachings. He shall write, while the debtor dictates the terms. He shall observe ALLAH his Lord and never cheat. If the debtor is mentally incapable, or helpless, or cannot dictate, his guardian shall dictate equitably. Two men shall serve as witnesses; if not two men, then a man and two women whose testimony is acceptable to all. Thus, if one woman becomes biased, the other will remind her. It is the obligation of the witnesses to testify when called upon to do so. Do not tire of writing the details, no matter how long, including the time of repayment. This is equitable in the sight of ALLAH, assures better witnessing, and eliminates any doubts you may have. Business transactions that you execute on the spot need not be recorded, but have them witnessed. No scribe or witness shall be harmed on account of his services. If you harm them, it would be wickedness on your part. You shall observe ALLAH, and ALLAH will teach you. ALLAH is Omniscient.

[2:283] If you are traveling, and no scribe is available, a bond shall be posted to guarantee repayment. If one is trusted in this manner, he shall return the bond when due, and he shall observe ALLAH his Lord. Do not withhold any testimony by concealing what you had witnessed. Anyone who withholds a testimony is sinful at heart. ALLAH is fully aware of everything you do.

[2:284] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth. Whether you declare your innermost thoughts, or keep them hidden, ALLAH holds you responsible for them. He forgives whomever He wills, and punishes whomever He wills. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in ALLAH, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."

[2:286] ALLAH never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people."

[3:0] In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[3:1] A.L.M.

[3:2] ALLAH: there is no god except He; the Living, the Eternal.

[3:3] He sent down to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming all previous scriptures, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel

[3:4] before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book. Those who disbelieve in ALLAH's revelations incur severe retribution. ALLAH is Almighty, Avenger.

[3:5] Nothing is hidden from ALLAH, on Earth, or in the heaven.

[3:6] He is the One who shapes you in the wombs as He wills. There is no other god besides Him; the Almighty, Most Wise.

[3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses - which constitute the essence of the scripture - as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except ALLAH and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this - all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[3:8] "Our Lord, let not our hearts waver, now that You have guided us. Shower us with Your mercy; You are the Grantor.

[3:9] "Our Lord, You will surely gather the people on a day that is inevitable. ALLAH never breaks a promise."

[3:10] Those who disbelieve will never be helped by their money, nor by their children, against ALLAH. They will be fuel for Hell.

[3:11] Like Pharaoh's people and those before them, they rejected our revelations and, consequently, ALLAH punished them for their sins. ALLAH is strict in enforcing retribution.

[3:12] Say to those who disbelieve, "You will be defeated, then gathered in Hell; what a miserable abode!"

[3:13] An example has been set for you by the two armies who clashed - one army was fighting in the cause of ALLAH, while the other was disbelieving. They saw with their own eyes that they were twice as many. ALLAH supports with His victory whomever He wills. This should provide an assurance for those who possess vision.

[3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver, trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of this world. A far better abode is reserved at ALLAH.

[3:15] Say, "Let me inform you of a much better deal: for those who lead a righteous life, reserved at their Lord, are gardens with flowing streams, and pure spouses, and joy in ALLAH's blessings." ALLAH is Seer of His worshipers.

[3:16] They say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins, and spare us the agony of the hellfire."

[3:17] They are steadfast, truthful, submitting, charitable, and meditators at dawn.

[3:18] ALLAH bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.

[3:19] The only religion approved by ALLAH is "Submission." Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of ALLAH's revelations, ALLAH is most strict in reckoning.

[3:20] If they argue with you, then say, "I have simply submitted myself to ALLAH; I and those who follow me." You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, "Would you submit?" If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. ALLAH is Seer of all people.

[3:21] Those who have rejected ALLAH's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly, and killed those who advocated justice among the people, promise them a painful retribution.

[3:22] Their works have been nullified, both in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.

[3:23] Have you noted those who were given part of the scripture, and how they are invited to uphold this scripture of ALLAH, and apply it to their own lives, then some of them turn away in aversion?

[3:24] This is because they said, "The hellfire will not touch us, except for a few days." They were thus deceived in their religion by their own fabrications.

[3:25] How will it be for them, when we summon them on that inevitable day? Each soul will be paid for whatever it earned, without the least injustice.

[3:26] Say, "Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and commit to humiliation whomever You choose. In Your hand are all provisions. You are Omnipotent.

[3:27] "You merge the night into the day, and merge the day into the night. You produce the living from the dead, and produce the dead from the living, and You provide for whomever You choose, without limits."

[3:28] The believers never ally themselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Whoever does this is exiled from ALLAH. Exempted are those who are forced to do this to avoid persecution. ALLAH alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. To ALLAH is the ultimate destiny.

[3:29] Say, "Whether you conceal your innermost thought, or declare it, ALLAH is fully aware thereof." He is fully aware of everything in the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[3:30] The day will come when each soul will find all the good works it had done brought forth. As for the evil works, it will wish that they were far, far removed. ALLAH alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. ALLAH is Compassionate towards the people.

[3:31] Proclaim: "If you love ALLAH, you should follow me." ALLAH will then love you, and forgive your sins. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[3:32] Proclaim: "You shall obey ALLAH and the messenger." If they turn away, ALLAH does not love the disbelievers.

[3:33] ALLAH has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Amram (as messengers) to the people.

[3:34] They belong in the same progeny. ALLAH is Hearer, Omniscient.

[3:35] The wife of Amram said, "My Lord, I have dedicated (the baby) in my belly to You, totally, so accept from me. You are Hearer, Omniscient."

[3:36] When she gave birth to her, she said, "My Lord, I have given birth to a girl" - ALLAH was fully aware of what she bore - "The male is not the same as the female. I have named her Mary, and I invoke Your protection for her and her descendants from the rejected devil."

[3:37] Her Lord accepted her a gracious acceptance, and brought her up a gracious upbringing, under the guardianship of Zachariah. Whenever Zachariah entered her sanctuary he found provisions with her. He would ask, "Mary, where did you get this from?" She would say, "It is from ALLAH. ALLAH provides for whomever He chooses, without limits."

[3:38] That is when Zachariah implored his Lord: "My Lord, grant me such a good child; You are the Hearer of the prayers."

[3:39] The angels called him when he was praying in the sanctuary: "ALLAH gives you good news of John; a believer in the word of ALLAH, honorable, moral, and a righteous prophet."

[3:40] He said, "How can I have a boy, when I am so old, and my wife is sterile?" He said, "ALLAH does whatever He wills."

[3:41] He said, "My Lord, give me a sign." He said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three days, except through signals. Commemorate your Lord frequently; and meditate night and day."

[3:42] The angels said, "O Mary, ALLAH has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you from all the women.

[3:43] "O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down."

[3:44] This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You were not there when they drew their raffles to select Mary's guardian. You were not present when they argued with one another.

[3:45] The angels said, "O Mary, ALLAH gives you good news: a Word from Him whose name is `The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary. He will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of those closest to Me.'

[3:46] "He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult; he will be one of the righteous."

[3:47] She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has touched me?" He said, "ALLAH thus creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He simply says to it, `Be,' and it is.

[3:48] "He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel."

[3:49] As a messenger to the Children of Israel: "I come to you with a sign from your Lord - I create for you from clay the shape of a bird, then I blow into it, and it becomes a live bird by ALLAH's leave. I restore vision to the blind, heal the leprous, and I revive the dead by ALLAH's leave. I can tell you what you eat, and what you store in your homes. This should be a proof for you, if you are believers.

[3:50] "I confirm previous scripture - the Torah - and I revoke certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe ALLAH, and obey me.

[3:51] "ALLAH is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path."

[3:52] When Jesus sensed their disbelief, he said, "Who are my supporters towards ALLAH?" The disciples said, "We are ALLAH's supporters; we believe in ALLAH, and bear witness that we are submitters."

[3:53] "Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down, and we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses."

[3:54] They plotted and schemed, but so did ALLAH, and ALLAH is the best schemer.

[3:55] Thus, ALLAH said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes.

[3:56] "As for those who disbelieve, I will commit them to painful retribution in this world, and in the Hereafter. They will have no helpers."

[3:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will fully recompense them. ALLAH does not love the unjust.

[3:58] These are the revelations that we recite to you, providing a message full of wisdom.

[3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as ALLAH is concerned, is the same as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, "Be," and he was.

[3:60] This is the truth from your Lord; do not harbor any doubts.

[3:61] If anyone argues with you, despite the knowledge you have received, then say, "Let us summon our children and your children, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us invoke ALLAH's curse upon the liars."

[3:62] Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely, there is no god except ALLAH. Absolutely, ALLAH is the Almighty, Most Wise.

[3:63] If they turn away, then ALLAH is fully aware of the evildoers.

[3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except ALLAH; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside ALLAH." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters."

[3:65] O followers of the scripture, why do you argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Do you not understand?

[3:66] You have argued about things you knew; why do you argue about things you do not know? ALLAH knows, while you do not know.

[3:67] Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist submitter. He never was an idol worshiper.

[3:68] The people most worthy of Abraham are those who followed him, and this prophet, and those who believe. ALLAH is the Lord and Master of the believers.

[3:69] Some followers of the scripture wish to lead you astray, but they only lead themselves astray, without perceiving.

[3:70] O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of ALLAH though you bear witness (that this is the truth)?

[3:71] O followers of the scripture, why do you confound the truth with falsehood, and conceal the truth, knowingly?

[3:72] Some followers of the scripture say, "Believe in what was sent down to the believers in the morning, and reject it in the evening; maybe someday they will revert.

[3:73] "And do not believe except as those who follow your religion." Say, "The true guidance is ALLAH's guidance." If they claim that they have the same guidance, or argue with you about your Lord, say, "All grace is in ALLAH's hand; He bestows it upon whomever He wills." ALLAH is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[3:74] He specifies His mercy for whomever He wills; ALLAH possesses unlimited grace.

[3:75] Some followers of the scripture can be trusted with a whole lot, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot be trusted with a single dinar; they will not repay you unless you keep after them. That is because they say, "We do not have to be honest when dealing with the gentiles!" Thus, they attribute lies to ALLAH, knowingly.

[3:76] Indeed, those who fulfill their obligations and lead a righteous life, ALLAH loves the righteous.

[3:77] As for those who trade away ALLAH's covenant, and their obligations, for a cheap price, they receive no share in the Hereafter. ALLAH will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from ALLAH, when it is not from ALLAH. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to ALLAH, knowingly.

[3:79] Never would a human being whom ALLAH blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside ALLAH." Instead, (he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone," according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.

[3:80] Nor would he command you to idolize the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he exhort you to disbelieve after becoming submitters?

[3:81] ALLAH took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you."

[3:82] Those who reject this (Quranic prophecy) are the evil ones.

[3:83] Are they seeking other than ALLAH's religion, when everything in the Heavens and the Earth has submitted to Him, willingly and unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?

[3:84] Say, "We believe in ALLAH, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

[3:85] Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.

[3:86] Why should ALLAH guide people who disbelieved after believing, and after witnessing that the messenger is truth, and after solid proofs have been given to them? ALLAH does not guide the wicked.

[3:87] These have incurred condemnation by ALLAH, and the angels, and all the people.

[3:88] Eternally they abide therein; the retribution is never commuted for them, nor will they be reprieved.

[3:89] Exempted are those who repent thereafter, and reform. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[3:90] Those who disbelieve after believing, then plunge deeper into disbelief, their repentance will not be accepted from them; they are the real strayers.

[3:91] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, an earthful of gold will not be accepted from any of them, even if such a ransom were possible. They have incurred painful retribution; they will have no helpers.

[3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, ALLAH is fully aware thereof.

[3:93] All food used to be lawful for the Children of Israel, until Israel imposed certain prohibitions on themselves before the Torah was sent down. Say, "Bring the Torah and read it, if you are truthful."

[3:94] Those who fabricate false prohibitions after this, and attribute them to ALLAH, are truly wicked.

[3:95] Say, "ALLAH has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham's religion - monotheism. He never was an idolater."

[3:96] The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people.

[3:97] In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to ALLAH that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford it. As for those who disbelieve, ALLAH does not need anyone.

[3:98] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of ALLAH, when ALLAH is witnessing everything you do?"

[3:99] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from the path of ALLAH those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?" ALLAH is never unaware of anything you do.

[3:100] O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers.

[3:101] How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of ALLAH have been recited to you, and His messenger has come to you? Whoever holds fast to ALLAH will be guided in the right path.

[3:102] O you who believe, you shall observe ALLAH as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters.

[3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of ALLAH, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall ALLAH's blessings upon you - you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. ALLAH thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided.

[3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners.

[3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible retribution.

[3:106] The day will come when some faces will be brightened (with joy), while other faces will be darkened (with misery). As for those whose faces are darkened, they will be asked, "Did you not disbelieve after believing? Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief."

[3:107] As for those whose faces are brightened, they will rejoice in ALLAH's mercy; they abide therein forever.

[3:108] These are ALLAH's revelations; we recite them to you, truthfully. ALLAH does not wish any hardship for the people.

[3:109] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and everything on Earth, and all matters are controlled by ALLAH.

[3:110] You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in ALLAH. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.

[3:111] They can never harm you, beyond insulting you. If they fight you, they will turn around and flee. They can never win.

[3:112] They shall be humiliated whenever you encounter them, unless they uphold ALLAH's covenant, as well as their peace covenants with you. They have incurred wrath from ALLAH, and, consequently, they are committed to disgrace. This is because they rejected ALLAH's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.

[3:113] They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite ALLAH's revelations through the night, and they fall prostrate.

[3:114] They believe in ALLAH and the Last Day, they advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and they hasten to do righteous works. These are the righteous.

[3:115] Any good they do will not go unrewarded. ALLAH is fully aware of the righteous.

[3:116] Those who disbelieved can never be helped by their money or their children against ALLAH. They have incurred Hell, wherein they abide forever.

[3:117] The example of their accomplishments in this life is like a violent wind that hits the harvest of people who have wronged their souls, and wipes it out. ALLAH never wronged them; it is they who wronged themselves.

[3:118] O you who believe, do not befriend outsiders who never cease to wish you harm; they even wish to see you suffer. Hatred flows out of their mouths and what they hide in their chests is far worse. We thus clarify the revelations for you, if you understand.

[3:119] Here you are loving them, while they do not love you, and you believe in all the scripture. When they meet you they say, "We believe," but as soon as they leave, they bite their fingers out of rage towards you. Say, "Die in your rage." ALLAH is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

[3:120] When anything good comes your way they hurt, and when something bad happens to you they rejoice. If you steadfastly persevere, and maintain righteousness, their schemes will never hurt you. ALLAH is fully aware of everything they do.

[3:121] Recall that you (Muhammad) were among your people when you set out to assign to the believers their positions for battle. ALLAH is Hearer, Omniscient.

[3:122] Two groups among you almost failed, but ALLAH was their Lord. In ALLAH the believers shall trust.

[3:123] ALLAH has granted you victory at Badr, despite your weakness. Therefore, you shall observe ALLAH, to show your appreciation.

[3:124] You told the believers, "Is it not enough that your Lord supports you with three thousand angels, sent down?"

[3:125] Indeed, if you steadfastly persevere and maintain righteousness, then they attack you suddenly, your Lord will support you with five thousand angels, well trained.

[3:126] ALLAH thus informs you, in order to give you good news, and to assure your hearts. Victory comes only from ALLAH, the Almighty, Most Wise.

[3:127] He thus annihilates some disbelievers, or neutralizes them; they always end up the losers.

[3:128] It is not up to you; He may redeem them, or He may punish them for their transgressions.

[3:129] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth. He forgives whomever He wills, and punishes whomever He wills. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[3:130] O you who believe, you shall not take usury, compounded over and over. Observe ALLAH, that you may succeed.

[3:131] Beware of the hellfire that awaits the disbelievers.

[3:132] You shall obey ALLAH and the messenger, that you may attain mercy.

[3:133] You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the Heavens and the Earth; it awaits the righteous,

[3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. ALLAH loves the charitable.

[3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember ALLAH and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who forgives the sins except ALLAH - and they do not persist in sins, knowingly.

[3:136] Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. What a blessed reward for the workers!

[3:137] Precedents have been set for you in the past; roam the Earth and note the consequences for the unbelievers.

[3:138] This is a proclamation for the people, and a guidance and enlightenment for the righteous.

[3:139] You shall not waver, nor shall you grieve, for you are the ultimate victors, if you are believers.

[3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. ALLAH thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. ALLAH dislikes injustice.

[3:141] ALLAH thus toughens those who believe and humiliates the disbelievers.

[3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without ALLAH distinguishing those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast?

[3:143] You used to long for death before you had to face it. Now you have faced it, right before your eyes.

[3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt ALLAH in the least. ALLAH rewards those who are appreciative.

[3:145] No one dies except by ALLAH's leave, at a predetermined time. Whoever seeks the vanities of this world, we give him therefrom, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we bless him therein. We reward those who are appreciative.

[3:146] Many a prophet had godly people fight along with him, without ever wavering under pressure in the cause of ALLAH, nor did they hesitate or become discouraged. ALLAH loves the steadfast.

[3:147] Their only utterance was, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins, and our transgressions, strengthen our foothold, and grant us victory over the disbelievers."

[3:148] Consequently, ALLAH granted them the rewards of this world, and the better rewards of the Hereafter. ALLAH loves the good doers.

[3:149] O you who believe, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, then you end up losers.

[3:150] ALLAH alone is your Lord and Master, and He is the best supporter.

[3:151] We will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, since they set up besides ALLAH powerless idols. Their destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode for the transgressors!

[3:152] ALLAH has fulfilled His promise to you, and you defeated them by His leave. But then you wavered, disputed among yourselves, and disobeyed after He had shown you (the victory) you had longed for. But then, some of you became distracted by the spoils of this world, while others were rightly concerned with the Hereafter. He then diverted you from them to test you. He has pardoned you. ALLAH showers the believers with His grace.

[3:153] Recall that you rushed (after the spoils), paying no attention to anyone, even when the messenger was calling from behind you. Consequently, He substituted one misery for another, that you may not grieve over anything you had missed, or agonize over any hardship you had suffered. ALLAH is Cognizant of everything you do.

[3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about ALLAH that were not right - the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to ALLAH." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." ALLAH thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. ALLAH is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

[3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. ALLAH has pardoned them. ALLAH is Forgiver, Clement.

[3:156] O you who believe, do not be like those who disbelieved and said of their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war, "Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed." ALLAH renders this a source of grief in their hearts. ALLAH controls life and death. ALLAH is Seer of everything you do.

[3:157] Whether you get killed or die in the cause of ALLAH, the forgiveness from ALLAH, and mercy are far better than anything they hoard.

[3:158] Whether you die or get killed, you will be summoned before ALLAH.

[3:159] It was mercy from ALLAH that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in ALLAH. ALLAH loves those who trust in Him.

[3:160] If ALLAH supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In ALLAH the believers shall trust.

[3:161] Even the prophet cannot take more of the spoils of war than he is entitled to. Anyone who takes more than his rightful share will have to account for it on the Day of Resurrection. That is when each soul is paid for whatever it earned, without the least injustice.

[3:162] Is one who pursues ALLAH's pleasure the same as one who incurs wrath from ALLAH and his destiny is Hell, the most miserable abode?

[3:163] They certainly occupy different ranks at ALLAH. ALLAH is Seer of everything they do.

[3:164] ALLAH has blessed the believers by raising in their midst a messenger from among them, to recite for them His revelations, and to purify them, and to teach them the scripture and wisdom. Before this, they had gone totally astray.

[3:165] Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you inflicted twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said, "Why did this happen to us?" Say, "This is a consequence of your own deeds." ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[3:166] What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in accordance with ALLAH's will, and to distinguish the believers.

[3:167] And to expose the hypocrites who were told, "Come fight in the cause of ALLAH, or contribute." They said, "If we knew how to fight, we would have joined you." They were closer to disbelief then than they were to belief. They uttered with their mouths what was not in their hearts. ALLAH knows what they conceal.

[3:168] They said of their kinsmen, as they stayed behind, "Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Say, "Then prevent your own death, if you are truthful."

[3:169] Do not think that those who are killed in the cause of ALLAH are dead; they are alive at their Lord, enjoying His provisions.

[3:170] They are rejoicing in ALLAH's grace, and they have good news for their comrades who did not die with them, that they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[3:171] They have good news of ALLAH's blessings and grace, and that ALLAH never fails to reward the believers.

[3:172] For those who respond to ALLAH and the messenger, despite the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works, and lead a righteous life, a great reward.

[3:173] When the people say to them, "People have mobilized against you; you should fear them," this only strengthens their faith, and they say, "ALLAH suffices us; He is the best Protector."

[3:174] They have deserved ALLAH's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained ALLAH's approval. ALLAH possesses infinite grace.

[3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers.

[3:176] Do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve. They never hurt ALLAH in the least. Instead, ALLAH has willed that they will have no share in the Hereafter. They have incurred a terrible retribution.

[3:177] Those who choose disbelief, instead of belief, do not hurt ALLAH in the least; they have incurred a painful retribution.

[3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness. They have incurred a humiliating retribution.

[3:179] ALLAH is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good. Nor does ALLAH inform you of the future, but ALLAH bestows such knowledge upon whomever He chooses from among His messengers. Therefore, you shall believe in ALLAH and His messengers. If you believe and lead a righteous life, you receive a great recompense.

[3:180] Let not those who withhold and hoard ALLAH's provisions think that this is good for them; it is bad for them. For they will carry their hoarding around their necks on the Day of Resurrection. ALLAH is the ultimate inheritor of the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[3:181] ALLAH has heard the utterances of those who said, "ALLAH is poor, while we are rich." We will record everything they said, just as we recorded their killing of the prophets unjustly, and we will say, "Suffer the retribution of Hell.

[3:182] "This is the consequence of your own works." ALLAH is never unjust towards the people.

[3:183] It is they who said, "ALLAH has made a covenant with us that we shall not believe in any messenger, unless he produces an offering that gets consumed by fire." Say, "Messengers before me have come to you with clear proofs, including what you just demanded. Why then did you kill them, if you are truthful?"

[3:184] If they reject you, messengers before you have been rejected, even though they brought proofs, the Psalms, and the enlightening scripture.

[3:185] Every person tastes death, then you receive your recompense on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever misses Hell, barely, and makes it to Paradise, has attained a great triumph. The life of this world is no more than an illusion.

[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.

[3:187] ALLAH took a covenant from those who received the scripture: "You shall proclaim it to the people, and never conceal it." But they disregarded it behind their backs, and traded it away for a cheap price. What a miserable trade.

[3:188] Those who boast about their works, and wish to be praised for something they have not really done, should not think that they can evade the retribution. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[3:189] To ALLAH belongs the sovereignty of the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[3:190] In the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intelligence.

[3:191] They remember ALLAH while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the Heavens and the Earth: "Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell.

[3:192] "Our Lord, whomever You commit to Hell are the ones You have forsaken. Such transgressors have no helpers.

[3:193] "Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling to faith and proclaiming: `You shall believe in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us our transgressions, remit our sins, and let us die as righteous believers.

[3:194] "Our Lord, shower us with the blessings you promised us through Your messengers, and do not forsake us on the Day of Resurrection. You never break a promise."

[3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get evicted from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and fight and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit them into gardens with flowing streams." Such is the reward from ALLAH. ALLAH possesses the ultimate reward.

[3:196] Do not be impressed by the apparent success of disbelievers.

[3:197] They only enjoy temporarily, then end up in Hell; what a miserable destiny!

[3:198] As for those who observe their Lord, they have deserved gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. Such is the abode given to them by ALLAH. What ALLAH possesses is far better for the righteous.

[3:199] Surely, some followers of the previous scriptures do believe in ALLAH, and in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed to them. They reverence ALLAH, and they never trade away ALLAH's revelations for a cheap price. These will receive their recompense from their Lord. ALLAH is the most efficient in reckoning.

[3:200] O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe ALLAH, that you may succeed.

[4:0] In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[4:1] O people, observe your Lord; the One who created you from one being, and created from it its mate, then spread from the two many men and women. You shall regard ALLAH, by whom you swear, and regard the parents. ALLAH is watching over you.

[4:2] You shall hand over to the orphans their rightful properties. Do not substitute the bad for the good, and do not consume their properties by combining them with yours. This would be a gross injustice.

[4:3] If you deem it best for the orphans, you may marry their mothers - you may marry two, three, or four. If you fear lest you become unfair, then you shall be content with only one, or with what you already have. Additionally, you are thus more likely to avoid financial hardship.

[4:4] You shall give the women their due dowries, equitably. If they willingly forfeit anything, then you may accept it; it is rightfully yours.

[4:5] Do not give immature orphans the properties that ALLAH has entrusted with you as guardians. You shall provide for them therefrom, and clothe them, and treat them kindly.

[4:6] You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. ALLAH suffices as Reckoner.

[4:7] The men get a share of what the parents and the relatives leave behind. The women too shall get a share of what the parents and relatives leave behind. Whether it is a small or a large inheritance, (the women must get) a definite share.

[4:8] During distribution of the inheritances, if relatives, orphans, and needy persons are present, you shall give them therefrom, and treat them kindly.

[4:9] Those who are concerned about their own children, in case they leave them behind, shall observe ALLAH and be equitable.

[4:10] Those who consume the orphans' properties unjustly, eat fire into their bellies, and will suffer in Hell.

[4:11] ALLAH decrees a will for the benefit of your children; the male gets twice the share of the female. If the inheritors are only women, more than two, they get two-thirds of what is bequeathed. If only one daughter is left, she gets one-half. The parents of the deceased get one-sixth of the inheritance each, if the deceased has left any children. If he left no children, and his parents are the only inheritors, the mother gets one-third. If he has siblings, then the mother gets one-sixth. All this, after fulfilling any will the deceased has left, and after paying off all debts. When it comes to your parents and your children, you do not know which of them is really the best to you and the most beneficial. This is ALLAH's law. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:12] You get half of what your wives leave behind, if they had no children. If they had children, you get one-fourth of what they leave. All this, after fulfilling any will they had left, and after paying off all debts. They get one-fourth of what you leave behind, if you had no children. If you had children, they get one-eighth of what you bequeath. All this, after fulfilling any will you had left, and after paying off all debts. If the deceased man or woman was a loner, and leaves two siblings, male or female, each of them gets one-sixth of the inheritance. If there are more siblings, then they equally share one-third of the inheritance. All this, after fulfilling any will, and after paying off all debts, so that no one is hurt. This is a will decreed by ALLAH. ALLAH is Omniscient, Clement.

[4:13] These are ALLAH's laws. Those who obey ALLAH and His messenger, He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. This is the greatest triumph.

[4:14] As for the one who disobeys ALLAH and His messenger, and transgresses His laws, He will admit him into Hell, wherein he abides forever. He has incurred a shameful retribution.

[4:15] Those who commit adultery among your women, you must have four witnesses against them, from among you. If they do bear witness, then you shall keep such women in their homes until they die, or until ALLAH creates an exit for them.

[4:16] The couple who commits adultery shall be punished. If they repent and reform, you shall leave them alone. ALLAH is Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[4:17] Repentance is acceptable by ALLAH from those who fall in sin out of ignorance, then repent immediately thereafter. ALLAH redeems them. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:18] Not acceptable is the repentance of those who commit sins until death comes to them, then say, "Now I repent." Nor is it acceptable from those who die as disbelievers. For these, we have prepared a painful retribution.

[4:19] O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit what the women leave behind, against their will. You shall not force them to give up anything you had given them, unless they commit a proven adultery. You shall treat them nicely. If you dislike them, you may dislike something wherein ALLAH has placed a lot of good.

[4:20] If you wish to marry another wife, in place of your present wife, and you had given any of them a great deal, you shall not take back anything you had given her. Would you take it fraudulently, maliciously, and sinfully?

[4:21] How could you take it back, after you have been intimate with each other, and they had taken from you a solemn pledge?

[4:22] Do not marry the women who were previously married to your fathers - existing marriages are exempted and shall not be broken - for it is a gross offense, and an abominable act.

[4:23] Prohibited for you (in marriage) are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, the sisters of your fathers, the sisters of your mothers, the daughters of your brother, the daughters of your sister, your nursing mothers, the girls who nursed from the same woman as you, the mothers of your wives, the daughters of your wives with whom you have consummated the marriage - if the marriage has not been consummated, you may marry the daughter. Also prohibited for you are the women who were married to your genetic sons. Also, you shall not be married to two sisters at the same time - but do not break up existing marriages. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:24] Also prohibited are the women who are already married, unless they flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with you. These are ALLAH's commandments to you. All other categories are permitted for you in marriage, so long as you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain your morality, by not committing adultery. Thus, whoever you like among them, you shall pay them the dowry decreed for them. You commit no error by mutually agreeing to any adjustments to the dowry. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:25] Those among you who cannot afford to marry free believing women, may marry believing slave women. ALLAH knows best about your belief, and you are equal to one another, as far as belief is concerned. You shall obtain permission from their guardians before you marry them, and pay them their due dowry equitably. They shall maintain moral behavior, by not committing adultery, or having secret lovers. Once they are freed through marriage, if they commit adultery, their punishment shall be half of that for the free women. Marrying a slave shall be a last resort for those unable to wait. To be patient is better for you. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:26] ALLAH wills to explain things for you, and to guide you through past precedents, and to redeem you. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:27] ALLAH wishes to redeem you, while those who pursue their lusts wish that you deviate a great deviation.

[4:28] ALLAH wishes to lighten your burden, for the human being is created weak.

[4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly - only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. You shall not kill yourselves. ALLAH is Merciful towards you.

[4:30] Anyone who commits these transgressions, maliciously and deliberately, we will condemn him to Hell. This is easy for ALLAH to do.

[4:31] If you refrain from committing the gross sins that are prohibited for you, we will remit your sins, and admit you an honorable admittance.

[4:32] You shall not covet the qualities bestowed upon each other by ALLAH; the men enjoy certain qualities, and the women enjoy certain qualities. You may implore ALLAH to shower you with His grace. ALLAH is fully aware of all things.

[4:33] For each of you, we have designated shares from the inheritance left by the parents and the relatives. Also those related to you through marriage, you shall give them their due share. ALLAH witnesses all things.

[4:34] The men are made responsible for the women, and ALLAH has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. The righteous women will cheerfully accept this arrangement, since it is ALLAH's commandment, and honor their husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from the women, you shall first talk to them, then (you may use negative incentives like) deserting them in bed, then you may (as a last alternative) beat them. If they obey you, you are not permitted to transgress against them. ALLAH is Most High, Supreme.

[4:35] If a couple fears separation, you shall appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they decide to reconcile, ALLAH will help them get together. ALLAH is Omniscient, Cognizant.

[4:36] You shall worship ALLAH alone - do not associate anything with Him. You shall regard the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, the related neighbor, the unrelated neighbor, the close associate, the traveling alien, and your servants. ALLAH does not like the arrogant show-offs.

[4:37] The ones who are stingy, exhort the people to be stingy, and conceal what ALLAH has bestowed upon them from His bounties. We have prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution.

[4:38] They give money to charity only to show off, while disbelieving in ALLAH and the Last Day. If one's companion is the devil, that is the worst companion.

[4:39] Why do they not believe in ALLAH and the Last Day, and give from ALLAH's provisions to them? ALLAH is fully aware of them.

[4:40] ALLAH does not inflict an atom's weight of injustice. On the contrary, He multiplies the reward manifold for the righteous work, and grants from Him a great recompense.

[4:41] Thus, when the day (of judgment) comes, we will call upon a witness from each community, and you (the messenger) will serve as a witness among these people.

[4:42] On that day, those who disbelieved and disobeyed the messenger will wish that they were level with the ground; not a single utterance will they be able to hide from ALLAH.

[4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. Nor after sexual orgasm without bathing, unless you are on the road, traveling; if you are ill or traveling, or you had urinary or fecal-related excretion (such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually), and you cannot find water, you shall observe Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil, then wiping your faces and hands therewith. ALLAH is Pardoner, Forgiver.

[4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path?

[4:45] ALLAH knows best who your enemies are. ALLAH is the only Lord and Master. ALLAH is the only Supporter.

[4:46] Among those who are Jewish, some distort the words beyond the truth, and they say, "We hear, but we disobey," and "Your words are falling on deaf ears," and "Raa'ena (be our shepherd)," as they twist their tongues to mock the religion. Had they said, "We hear, and we obey," and "We hear you," and "Unzurna (watch over us)," it would have been better for them, and more righteous. Instead, they have incurred condemnation from ALLAH due to their disbelief. Consequently, the majority of them cannot believe.

[4:47] O you who received the scripture, you shall believe in what we reveal herein, confirming what you have, before we banish certain faces to exile, or condemn them as we condemned those who desecrated the Sabbath. ALLAH's command is done.

[4:48] ALLAH does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside ALLAH, has forged a horrendous offense.

[4:49] Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, ALLAH is the One who exalts whomever He wills, without the least injustice.

[4:50] Note how they fabricate lies about ALLAH; what a gross offense this is!

[4:51] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they believe in idolatry and false doctrine, then say, "The disbelievers are better guided than the believers?!"

[4:52] It is they who incurred ALLAH's condemnation, and whomever ALLAH condemns, you will not find any helper for him.

[4:53] Do they own a share of the sovereignty? If they did, they would not give the people as much as a grain.

[4:54] Are they envious of the people because ALLAH has showered them with His blessings? We have given Abraham's family the scripture, and wisdom; we granted them a great authority.

[4:55] Some of them believed therein, and some of them repelled therefrom; Hell is the only just retribution for these.

[4:56] Surely, those who disbelieve in our revelations, we will condemn them to the hellfire. Whenever their skins are burnt, we will give them new skins. Thus, they will suffer continuously. ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[4:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will admit them into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. They will have pure spouses therein. We will admit them into a blissful shade.

[4:58] ALLAH commands you to give back anything the people have entrusted to you. If you judge among the people, you shall judge equitably. The best enlightenment indeed is what ALLAH recommends for you. ALLAH is Hearer, Seer.

[4:59] O you who believe, you shall obey ALLAH, and you shall obey the messenger, and those in charge among you. If you dispute in any matter, you shall refer it to ALLAH and the messenger, if you do believe in ALLAH and the Last Day. This is better for you, and provides you with the best solution.

[4:60] Have you noted those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, then uphold the unjust laws of their idols? They were commanded to reject such laws. Indeed, it is the devil's wish to lead them far astray.

[4:61] When they are told, "Come to what ALLAH has revealed, and to the messenger," you see the hypocrites shunning you completely.

[4:62] How will it be when a disaster hits them, as a consequence of their own works? They will come to you then and swear by ALLAH: "Our intentions were good and righteous!"

[4:63] ALLAH is fully aware of their innermost intentions. You shall ignore them, enlighten them, and give them good advice that may save their souls.

[4:64] We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed in accordance with ALLAH's will. Had they, when they wronged their souls, come to you and prayed to ALLAH for forgiveness, and the messenger prayed for their forgiveness, they would have found ALLAH Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[4:65] Never indeed, by your Lord; they are not believers unless they come to you to judge in their disputes, then find no hesitation in their hearts whatsoever in accepting your judgment. They must submit a total submission.

[4:66] Had we decreed for them: "You must offer your lives," or "Give up your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith.

[4:67] And we would have granted them a great recompense.

[4:68] And we would have guided them in the right path.

[4:69] Those who obey ALLAH and the messenger belong with those blessed by ALLAH - the prophets, the saints, the martyrs, and the righteous. These are the best company.

[4:70] Such is the blessing from ALLAH; ALLAH is the best Knower.

[4:71] O you who believe, you shall remain alert, and mobilize as individuals, or mobilize all together.

[4:72] Surely, there are those among you who would drag their feet, then, if a setback afflicts you, they would say, "ALLAH has blessed me that I was not martyred with them."

[4:73] But if you attain a blessing from ALLAH, they would say, as if no friendship ever existed between you and them, "I wish I was with them, so I could share in such a great victory."

[4:74] Those who readily fight in the cause of ALLAH are those who forsake this world in favor of the Hereafter. Whoever fights in the cause of ALLAH, then gets killed, or attains victory, we will surely grant him a great recompense.

[4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of ALLAH when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master."

[4:76] Those who believe are fighting for the cause of ALLAH, while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny. Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil.

[4:77] Have you noted those who were told, "You do not have to fight; all you need to do is observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)," then, when fighting was decreed for them, they feared the people as much as they feared ALLAH, or even more? They said, "Our Lord, why did You force this fighting on us? If only You respite us for awhile!" Say, "The materials of this world are nil, while the Hereafter is far better for the righteous, and you never suffer the slightest injustice."

[4:78] Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you live in formidable castles. When something good happens to them, they say, "This is from ALLAH," and when something bad afflicts them, they blame you. Say, "Everything comes from ALLAH." Why do these people misunderstand almost everything?

[4:79] Anything good that happens to you is from ALLAH, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people, and ALLAH suffices as witness.

[4:80] Whoever obeys the messenger is obeying ALLAH. As for those who turn away, we did not send you as their guardian.

[4:81] They pledge obedience, but as soon as they leave you, some of them harbor intentions contrary to what they say. ALLAH records their innermost intentions. You shall disregard them, and put your trust in ALLAH. ALLAH suffices as an advocate.

[4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than ALLAH, they would have found in it numerous contradictions.

[4:83] When a rumor that affects security comes their way, they spread it. Had they referred it to the messenger, and those in charge among them, those who understand these matters would have informed them. If it were not for ALLAH's grace towards you, and His mercy, you would have followed the devil, except a few.

[4:84] You shall fight for the cause of ALLAH; you are responsible only for your own soul, and exhort the believers to do the same. ALLAH will neutralize the power of those who disbelieve. ALLAH is much more powerful, and much more effective.

[4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. ALLAH controls all things.

[4:86] When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. ALLAH reckons all things.

[4:87] ALLAH: there is no god except He. He will surely summon you on the Day of Resurrection - the inevitable day. Whose narration is more truthful than ALLAH's?

[4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? ALLAH is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by ALLAH? Whomever ALLAH sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them.

[4:89] They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of ALLAH. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies.

[4:90] Exempted are those who join people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, and those who come to you wishing not to fight you, nor fight their relatives. Had ALLAH willed, He could have permitted them to fight against you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then ALLAH gives you no excuse to fight them.

[4:91] You will find others who wish to make peace with you, and also with their people. However, as soon as war erupts, they fight against you. Unless these people leave you alone, offer you peace, and stop fighting you, you may fight them when you encounter them. Against these, we give you a clear authorization.

[4:92] No believer shall kill another believer, unless it is an accident. If one kills a believer by accident, he shall atone by freeing a believing slave, and paying a compensation to the victim's family, unless they forfeit such a compensation as a charity. If the victim belonged to people who are at war with you, though he was a believer, you shall atone by freeing a believing slave. If he belonged to people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, you shall pay the compensation in addition to freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall atone by fasting two consecutive months, in order to be redeemed by ALLAH. ALLAH is Knower, Most Wise.

[4:93] Anyone who kills a believer on purpose, his retribution is Hell, wherein he abides forever, ALLAH is angry with him, and condemns him, and has prepared for him a terrible retribution.

[4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of ALLAH, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For ALLAH possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and ALLAH blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of ALLAH with their money and their lives. ALLAH exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, ALLAH promises salvation, but ALLAH exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense.

[4:96] The higher ranks come from Him, as well as forgiveness and mercy. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on Earth." They will say, "Was ALLAH's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny.

[4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out.

[4:99] These may be pardoned by ALLAH. ALLAH is Pardoner, Forgiver.

[4:100] Anyone who emigrates in the cause of ALLAH will find on Earth great bounties and richness. Anyone who gives up his home, emigrating to ALLAH and His messenger, then death catches up with him, his recompense is reserved with ALLAH. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:101] When you travel, during war, you commit no error by shortening your Contact Prayers (Salat), if you fear that the disbelievers may attack you. Surely, the disbelievers are your ardent enemies.

[4:102] When you are with them, and lead the Contact Prayer (Salat) for them, let some of you stand guard; let them hold their weapons, and let them stand behind you as you prostrate. Then, let the other group that has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons. Those who disbelieved wish to see you neglect your weapons and your equipment, in order to attack you once and for all. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or injury, by putting down your weapons, so long as you remain alert. ALLAH has prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution.

[4:103] Once you complete your Contact Prayer (Salat), you shall remember ALLAH while standing, sitting, or lying down. Once the war is over, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat); the Contact Prayers (Salat) are decreed for the believers at specific times.

[4:104] Do not waver in pursuing the enemy. If you suffer, they also suffer. However, you expect from ALLAH what they never expect. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:105] We have sent down to you the scripture, truthfully, in order to judge among the people in accordance with what ALLAH has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers.

[4:106] You shall implore ALLAH for forgiveness. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:107] Do not argue on behalf of those who have wronged their own souls; ALLAH does not love any betrayer, guilty.

[4:108] They hide from the people, and do not care to hide from ALLAH, though He is with them as they harbor ideas He dislikes. ALLAH is fully aware of everything they do.

[4:109] Here you are arguing on their behalf in this world; who is going to argue with ALLAH on their behalf on the Day of Resurrection? Who is going to be their advocate?

[4:110] Anyone who commits evil, or wrongs his soul, then implores ALLAH for forgiveness, will find ALLAH Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[4:111] Anyone who earns a sin, earns it to the detriment of his own soul. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:112] Anyone who earns a sin, then accuses an innocent person thereof, has committed a blasphemy and a gross offense.

[4:113] If it were not for ALLAH's grace towards you, and His mercy, some of them would have misled you. They only mislead themselves, and they can never harm you in the least. ALLAH has sent down to you the scripture and wisdom, and He has taught you what you never knew. Indeed, ALLAH's blessings upon you have been great.

[4:114] There is nothing good about their private conferences, except for those who advocate charity, or righteous works, or making peace among the people. Anyone who does this, in response to ALLAH's teachings, we will grant him a great recompense.

[4:115] As for him who opposes the messenger, after the guidance has been pointed out to him, and follows other than the believers' way, we will direct him in the direction he has chosen, and commit him to Hell; what a miserable destiny!

[4:116] ALLAH does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside ALLAH has strayed far astray.

[4:117] They even worship female gods besides Him; as a matter of fact, they only worship a rebellious devil.

[4:118] ALLAH has condemned him, and he said, "I will surely recruit a definite share of Your worshipers.

[4:119] "I will mislead them, I will entice them, I will command them to (forbid the eating of certain meats by) marking the ears of livestock, and I will command them to distort the creation of ALLAH." Anyone who accepts the devil as a lord, instead of ALLAH, has incurred a profound loss.

[4:120] He promises them and entices them; what the devil promises is no more than an illusion.

[4:121] These have incurred Hell as their final abode, and can never evade it.

[4:122] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will admit them into gardens with flowing streams, wherein they live forever. Such is the truthful promise of ALLAH. Whose utterances are more truthful than ALLAH's?

[4:123] It is not in accordance with your wishes, or the wishes of the people of the scripture: anyone who commits evil pays for it, and will have no helper or supporter against ALLAH.

[4:124] As for those who lead a righteous life, male or female, while believing, they enter Paradise; without the slightest injustice.

[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to ALLAH, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? ALLAH has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.

[4:126] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is in full control of all things.

[4:127] They consult you concerning women: say, "ALLAH enlightens you regarding them, as recited for you in the scripture. You shall restore the rights of orphaned girls whom you cheat out of their due dowries when you wish to marry them: you shall not take advantage of them. The rights of orphaned boys must also be protected as well. You shall treat the orphans equitably. Whatever good you do, ALLAH is fully aware thereof."

[4:128] If a woman senses oppression or desertion from her husband, the couple shall try to reconcile their differences, for conciliation is best for them. Selfishness is a human trait, and if you do good and lead a righteous life, ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[4:129] You can never be equitable in dealing with more than one wife, no matter how hard you try. Therefore, do not be so biased as to leave one of them hanging (neither enjoying marriage, nor left to marry someone else). If you correct this situation and maintain righteousness, ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:130] If the couple must decide to part, ALLAH will provide for each of them from His bounties. ALLAH is Bounteous, Most Wise.

[4:131] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth, and we have enjoined on those who received the scripture before you, and enjoined on you, that you shall reverence ALLAH. If you disbelieve, then to ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is in no need, Praiseworthy.

[4:132] To ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth, and ALLAH is the only Protector.

[4:133] If He wills, He can annihilate you, O people, and substitute others in your place. ALLAH is certainly able to do this.

[4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that ALLAH possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. ALLAH is Hearer, Seer.

[4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe ALLAH, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, ALLAH takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[4:136] O you who believe, you shall believe in ALLAH and His messenger, and the scripture He has revealed through His messenger, and the scripture He has revealed before that. Anyone who refuses to believe in ALLAH, and His angels, and His scriptures, and His messengers, and the Last Day, has indeed strayed far astray.

[4:137] Surely, those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe, then disbelieve, then plunge deeper into disbelief, ALLAH will not forgive them, nor will He guide them in any way.

[4:138] Inform the hypocrites that they have incurred painful retribution.

[4:139] They are the ones who ally themselves with disbelievers instead of believers. Are they seeking dignity with them? All dignity belongs with ALLAH alone.

[4:140] He has instructed you in the scripture that: if you hear ALLAH's revelations being mocked and ridiculed, you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. ALLAH will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell.

[4:141] They watch you and wait; if you attain victory from ALLAH, they say (to you), "Were we not with you?" But if the disbelievers get a turn, they say (to them), "Did we not side with you, and protect you from the believers?" ALLAH will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection. ALLAH will never permit the disbelievers to prevail over the believers.

[4:142] The hypocrites think that they are deceiving ALLAH, but He is the One who leads them on. When they get up for the Contact Prayer (Salat), they get up lazily. That is because they only show off in front of the people, and rarely do they think of ALLAH.

[4:143] They waver in between, neither belonging to this group, nor that group. Whomever ALLAH sends astray, you will never find a way to guide him.

[4:144] O you who believe, you shall not ally yourselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Do you wish to provide ALLAH with a clear proof against you?

[4:145] The hypocrites will be committed to the lowest pit of Hell, and you will find no one to help them.

[4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to ALLAH, and devote their religion absolutely to ALLAH alone, will be counted with the believers. ALLAH will bless the believers with a great recompense.

[4:147] What will ALLAH gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? ALLAH is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[4:148] ALLAH does not like the utterance of bad language, unless one is treated with gross injustice. ALLAH is Hearer, Knower.

[4:149] If you work righteousness - either declared or concealed - or pardon a transgression, ALLAH is Pardoner, Omnipotent.

[4:150] Those who disbelieve in ALLAH and His messengers, and seek to make distinction among ALLAH and His messengers, and say, "We believe in some and reject some," and wish to follow a path in between;

[4:151] these are the real disbelievers. We have prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution.

[4:152] As for those who believe in ALLAH and His messengers, and make no distinction among them, He will grant them their recompense. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[4:153] The people of the scripture challenge you to bring down to them a book from the sky! They have asked Moses for more than that, saying, "Show us ALLAH, physically." Consequently, the lightning struck them, as a consequence of their audacity. Additionally, they worshipped the calf, after all the miracles they had seen. Yet, we pardoned all this. We supported Moses with profound miracles.

[4:154] And we raised Mount Sinai above them, as we took their covenant. And we said to them, "Enter the gate humbly." And we said to them, "Do not desecrate the Sabbath." Indeed, we took from them a solemn covenant.

[4:155] (They incurred condemnation) for violating their covenant, rejecting ALLAH's revelations, killing the prophets unjustly, and for saying, "Our minds are made up!" In fact, ALLAH is the One who sealed their minds, due to their disbelief, and this is why they fail to believe, except rarely.

[4:156] (They are condemned) for disbelieving and uttering about Mary a gross lie.

[4:157] And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of ALLAH. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him - they were made to think that they did. All factions who are disputing in this matter are full of doubt concerning this issue. They possess no knowledge; they only conjecture. For certain, they never killed him.

[4:158] Instead, ALLAH raised him to Him; ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[4:159] Everyone among the people of the scripture was required to believe in him before his death. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.

[4:160] Due to their transgressions, we prohibited for the Jews good foods that used to be lawful for them; also for consistently repelling from the path of ALLAH.

[4:161] And for practicing usury, which was forbidden, and for consuming the people's money illicitly. We have prepared for the disbelievers among them painful retribution.

[4:162] As for those among them who are well founded in knowledge, and the believers, they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are observers of the Contact Prayers (Salat), and givers of the obligatory charity (Zakat); they are believers in ALLAH and the Last Day. We grant these a great recompense.

[4:163] We have inspired you, as we inspired Noah and the prophets after him. And we inspired Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, the Patriarchs, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon. And we gave David the Psalms.

[4:164] Messengers we have told you about, and messengers we never told you about. And ALLAH spoke to Moses directly.

[4:165] Messengers to deliver good news, as well as warnings. Thus, the people will have no excuse when they face ALLAH, after all these messengers have come to them. ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[4:166] But ALLAH bears witness concerning what He has revealed to you; He has revealed it with His knowledge. And the angels bear witness as well, but ALLAH suffices as witness.

[4:167] Surely, those who disbelieve and repel from the way of ALLAH have strayed far astray.

[4:168] Those who disbelieve and transgress, ALLAH will not forgive them, nor will He guide them in any way;

[4:169] except the way to Hell, wherein they abide forever. This is easy for ALLAH to do.

[4:170] O people, the messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord. Therefore, you shall believe for your own good. If you disbelieve, then to ALLAH belongs everything in the Heavens and the Earth. ALLAH is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[4:171] O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about ALLAH except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of ALLAH, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in ALLAH and His messengers. You shall not say, "Trinity." You shall refrain from this for your own good. ALLAH is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the Heavens and everything on Earth. ALLAH suffices as Lord and Master.

[4:172] The Messiah would never disdain from being a servant of ALLAH, nor would the closest angels. Those who disdain from worshipping Him, and are too arrogant to submit, He will summon them all before Him.

[4:173] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will fully recompense them, and shower them with His grace. As for those who disdain and turn arrogant, He will commit them to painful retribution. They will find no lord beside ALLAH, nor a savior.

[4:174] O people, a proof has come to you from your Lord; we have sent down to you a profound beacon.

[4:175] Those who believe in ALLAH, and hold fast to Him, He will admit them into mercy from Him, and grace, and will guide them to Him in a straight path.

[4:176] They consult you; say, "ALLAH advises you concerning the single person. If one dies and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she gets half the inheritance. If she dies first, he inherits from her, if she left no children. If there were two sisters, they get two-thirds of the inheritance. If the siblings are men and women, the male gets twice the share of the female." ALLAH thus clarifies for you, lest you go astray. ALLAH is fully aware of all things.

[5:0] In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[5:1] O you who believe, you shall fulfill your covenants. Permitted for you to eat are the livestock, except those specifically prohibited herein. You shall not permit hunting throughout Hajj pilgrimage. ALLAH decrees whatever He wills.

[5:2] O you who believe, do not violate the rites instituted by ALLAH, nor the Sacred Months, nor the animals to be offered, nor the garlands marking them, nor the people who head for the Sacred Shrine (Ka`bah) seeking blessings from their Lord and approval. Once you complete the pilgrimage, you may hunt. Do not be provoked into aggression by your hatred of people who once prevented you from going to the Sacred Masjid. You shall cooperate in matters of righteousness and piety; do not cooperate in matters that are sinful and evil. You shall observe ALLAH. ALLAH is strict in enforcing retribution.

[5:3] Prohibited for you are animals that die of themselves, blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than ALLAH. (Animals that die of themselves include those) strangled, struck with an object, fallen from a height, gored, attacked by a wild animal - unless you save your animal before it dies - and animals sacrificed on altars. Also prohibited is dividing the meat through a game of chance; this is an abomination. Today, the disbelievers have given up concerning (the eradication of) your religion; do not fear them and fear Me instead. Today, I have completed your religion, perfected My blessing upon you, and I have decreed Submission as the religion for you. If one is forced by famine (to eat prohibited food), without being deliberately sinful, then ALLAH is Forgiver, Merciful.

[5:4] They consult you concerning what is lawful for them; say, "Lawful for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and falcons catch for you." You train them according to ALLAH's teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention ALLAH's name thereupon. You shall observe ALLAH. ALLAH is most efficient in reckoning.

[5:5] Today, all good food is made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scripture is lawful for you. Also, you may marry the chaste women among the believers, as well as the chaste women among the followers of previous scripture, provided you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain chastity, not committing adultery, nor taking secret lovers. Anyone who rejects faith, all his work will be in vain, and in the Hereafter he will be with the losers.

[5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. ALLAH does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative.

[5:7] Remember ALLAH's blessing upon you, and His covenant that He covenanted with you: you said, "We hear and we obey." You shall observe ALLAH; ALLAH is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

[5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe ALLAH, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe ALLAH. ALLAH is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[5:9] ALLAH promises those who believe and lead a righteous life forgiveness and a great recompense.

[5:10] As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell.

[5:11] O you who believe, remember ALLAH's blessings upon you; when some people extended their hands to aggress against you, He protected you and withheld their hands. You shall observe ALLAH; in ALLAH the believers shall trust.

[5:12] ALLAH had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And ALLAH said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend ALLAH a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path."

[5:13] It was a consequence of their violating the covenant that we condemned them, and we caused their hearts to become hardened. Consequently, they took the words out of context, and disregarded some of the commandments given to them. You will continue to witness betrayal from them, excepting a few of them. You shall pardon them, and disregard them. ALLAH loves those who are benevolent.

[5:14] Also from those who said, "We are Christian," we took their covenant. But they disregarded some of the commandments given to them. Consequently, we condemned them to animosity and hatred among themselves, until the Day of Resurrection. ALLAH will then inform them of everything they had done.

[5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from ALLAH, and a profound scripture.

[5:16] With it, ALLAH guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path.

[5:17] Pagans indeed are those who say that ALLAH is the Messiah, the son of Mary. Say, "Who could oppose ALLAH if He willed to annihilate the Messiah, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone on Earth?" To ALLAH belongs the sovereignty of the Heavens and the earth, and everything between them. He creates whatever He wills. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[5:18] The Jews and the Christians said, "We are ALLAH's children and His beloved." Say, "Why then does He punish you for your sins? You are just humans like the other humans He created." He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills. To ALLAH belongs the sovereignty of the Heavens and the Earth, and everything between them, and to Him is the final destiny.

[5:19] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you, to explain things to you, after a period of time without messengers, lest you say, "We did not receive any preacher or warner." A preacher and warner has now come to you. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[5:20] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, remember ALLAH's blessings upon you: He appointed prophets from among you, made you kings, and granted you what He never granted any other people.

[5:21] "O my people, enter the holy land that ALLAH has decreed for you, and do not rebel, lest you become losers."

[5:22] They said, "O Moses, there are powerful people in it, and we will not enter it, unless they get out of it. If they get out, we are entering."

[5:23] Two men who were reverent and blessed by ALLAH said, "Just enter the gate. If you just enter it, you will surely prevail. You must trust in ALLAH, if you are believers."

[5:24] They said, "O Moses, we will never enter it, so long as they are in it. Therefore, go - you and your Lord - and fight. We are sitting right here."

[5:25] He said, "My Lord, I can only control myself and my brother. So, allow us to part company with the wicked people."

[5:26] He said, "Henceforth, it is forbidden them for forty years, during which they will roam the Earth aimlessly. Do not grieve over such wicked people."

[5:27] Recite for them the true history of Adam's two sons. They made an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. He said, "I will surely kill you." He said, "ALLAH accepts only from the righteous.

[5:28] "If you extend your hand to kill me, I am not extending my hand to kill you. For I reverence ALLAH, Lord of the universe.

[5:29] "I want you, not me, to bear my sin and your sin, then you end up with the dwellers of Hell. Such is the requital for the transgressors."

[5:30] His ego provoked him into killing his brother. He killed him, and ended up with the losers.

[5:31] ALLAH then sent a raven to scratch the soil, to teach him how to bury his brother's corpse. He said, "Woe to me; I failed to be as intelligent as this raven, and bury my brother's corpse." He became ridden with remorse.

[5:32] Because of this, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing.

[5:33] The just retribution for those who fight ALLAH and His messenger, and commit horrendous crimes, is to be killed, or crucified, or to have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or to be banished from the land. This is to humiliate them in this life, then they suffer a far worse retribution in the Hereafter.

[5:34] Exempted are those who repent before you overcome them. You should know that ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[5:35] O you who believe, you shall reverence ALLAH and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause, that you may succeed.

[5:36] Certainly, those who disbelieved, if they possessed everything on Earth, even twice as much, and offered it as ransom to spare them the retribution on the Day of Resurrection, it would not be accepted from them; they have incurred a painful retribution.

[5:37] They will want to exit Hell, but alas, they can never exit therefrom; their retribution is eternal.

[5:38] The thief, male or female, you shall mark their hands as a punishment for their crime, and to serve as an example from ALLAH. ALLAH is Almighty, Most Wise.

[5:39] If one repents after committing this crime, and reforms, ALLAH redeems him. ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[5:40] Do you not know that ALLAH possesses the sovereignty of the Heavens and the Earth? He punishes whomever He wills, and forgives whomever He wills. ALLAH is Omnipotent.

[5:41] O you messenger, do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve among those who say, "We believe," with their mouths, while their hearts do not believe. Among the Jews, some listened to lies. They listened to people who never met you, and who distorted the words out of context, then said, "If you are given this, accept it, but if you are given anything different, beware." Whomever ALLAH wills to divert, you can do nothing to help him against ALLAH. ALLAH does not wish to cleanse their hearts. They have incurred humiliation in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will suffer a terrible retribution.

[5:42] They are upholders of lies, and eaters of illicit earnings. If they come to you to judge among them, you may judge among them, or you may disregard them. If you choose to disregard them, they cannot harm you in the least. But if you judge among them, you shall judge equitably. ALLAH loves those who are equitable.

[5:43] Why do they ask you to judge among them, when they have the Torah, containing ALLAH's law, and they chose to disregard it? They are not believers.

[5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in ALLAH's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with ALLAH's revelations are the disbelievers.

[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with ALLAH's revelations are the unjust.

[5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.

[5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with ALLAH's revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with ALLAH's revelations are the wicked.

[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with ALLAH's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had ALLAH willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To ALLAH is your final destiny - all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

[5:49] You shall rule among them in accordance with ALLAH's revelations to you. Do not follow their wishes, and beware lest they divert you from some of ALLAH's revelations to you. If they turn away, then know that ALLAH wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are wicked.

[5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than ALLAH's for those who have attained certainty?

[5:51] O you who believe, do not take certain Jews and Christians as allies; these are allies of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. ALLAH does not guide the transgressors.

[5:52] You will see those who harbor doubt in their hearts hasten to join them, saying, "We fear lest we may be defeated." May ALLAH bring victory, or a command from Him, that causes them to regret their secret thoughts.

[5:53] The believers will then say, "Are these the same people who swore by ALLAH solemnly that they were with you?" Their works have been nullified; they are the losers.

[5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then ALLAH will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of ALLAH without fear of any blame. Such is ALLAH's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. ALLAH is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[5:55] Your real allies are ALLAH and His messenger, and the believers who observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they bow down.

[5:56] Those who ally themselves with ALLAH and His messenger, and those who believed, belong in the party of ALLAH; absolutely, they are the victors.

[5:57] O you who believe, do not befriend those among the recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor shall you befriend the disbelievers. You shall reverence ALLAH, if you are really believers.

[5:58] When you call to the Contact Prayers (Salat), they mock and ridicule it. This is because they are people who do not understand.

[5:59] Say, "O people of the scripture, do you not hate us because we believe in ALLAH, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed before us, and because most of you are not righteous?"

[5:60] Say, "Let me tell you who are worse in the sight of ALLAH: those who are condemned by ALLAH after incurring His wrath until He made them (as despicable as) monkeys and pigs, and the idol worshipers. These are far worse, and farther from the right path."

[5:61] When they come to you, they say, "We believe," even though they were full of disbelief when they entered, and they are full of disbelief when they leave. ALLAH is fully aware of everything they conceal.

[5:62] You see many of them readily committing evil and transgression, and eating from illicit earnings. Miserable indeed is what they do.

[5:63] If only the rabbis and the priests enjoin them from their sinful utterances and illicit earnings! Miserable indeed is what they commit.

[5:64] The Jews even said, "ALLAH's hand is tied down!" It is their hands that are tied down. They are condemned for uttering such a blasphemy. Instead, His hands are wide open, spending as He wills. For certain, your Lord's revelations to you will cause many of them to plunge deeper into transgression and disbelief. Consequently, we have committed them to animosity and hatred among themselves until the Day of Resurrection. Whenever they ignite the flames of war, ALLAH puts them out. They roam the Earth wickedly, and ALLAH dislikes the evildoers.

[5:65] If only the people of the scripture believe and lead a righteous life, we will then remit their sins, and admit them into gardens of bliss.

[5:66] If only they would uphold the Torah and the Gospel, and what is sent down to them herein from their Lord, they would be showered with blessings from above them and from beneath their feet. Some of them are righteous, but many of them are evildoers.

[5:67] O you messenger, deliver what is revealed to you from your Lord - until you do, you have not delivered His message - and ALLAH will protect you from the people. ALLAH does not guide the disbelieving people.

[5:68] Say, "O people of the scripture, you have no basis until you uphold the Torah, and the Gospel, and what is sent down to you herein from your Lord." For sure, these revelations from your Lord will cause many of them to plunge deeper into transgression and disbelief. Therefore, do not feel sorry for the disbelieving people.

[5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in ALLAH and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[5:70] We have taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we sent to them messengers. Whenever a messenger went to them with anything they disliked, some of them they rejected, and some they killed.

[5:71] They thought that they would not be tested, so they turned blind and deaf, then ALLAH redeemed them, but then many of them turned blind and deaf again. ALLAH is Seer of everything they do.

[5:72] Pagans indeed are those who say that ALLAH is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah himself said, "O Children of Israel, you shall worship ALLAH; my Lord and your Lord." Anyone who sets up any idol beside ALLAH, ALLAH has forbidden Paradise for him, and his destiny is Hell. The wicked have no helpers.

[5:73] Pagans indeed are those who say that ALLAH is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution.

[5:74] Would they not repent to ALLAH, and ask His forgiveness? ALLAH is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[5:75] The Messiah, son of Mary, is no more than a messenger like the messengers before him, and his mother was a saint. Both of them used to eat the food. Note how we explain the revelations for them, and note how they still deviate!

[5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside ALLAH powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? ALLAH is Hearer, Omniscient."

[5:77] Say, "O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion beyond the truth, and do not follow the opinions of people who have gone astray, and have misled multitudes of people; they are far astray from the right path."

[5:78] Condemned are those who disbelieved among the Children of Israel, by the tongue of David and Jesus, the son of Mary. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.

[5:79] They did not enjoin one another from committing evil. Miserable indeed is what they did.

[5:80] You would see many of them allying themselves with those who disbelieve. Miserable indeed is what their hands have sent forth on behalf of their souls. ALLAH is angry with them and, consequently, they will abide forever in retribution.

[5:81] Had they believed in ALLAH, and the prophet, and in what was revealed to him herein, they would not have befriended them. But many of them are evil.

[5:82] You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, "We are Christian." This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant.

[5:83] When they hear what was revealed to the messenger, you see their eyes flooding with tears as they recognize the truth therein, and they say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so count us among the witnesses.

[5:84] "Why should we not believe in ALLAH, and in the truth that has come to us, and hope that our Lord may admit us with the righteous people?"

[5:85] ALLAH has rewarded them for saying this; He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. Such is the reward for the righteous.

[5:86] As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell.

[5:87] O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by ALLAH, and do not aggress; ALLAH dislikes the aggressors.

[5:88] And eat from the good and lawful things that ALLAH has provided for you. You shall reverence ALLAH, in whom you are believers.

[5:89] ALLAH does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your actual intentions. If you violate an oath, you shall atone by feeding ten poor people from the same food you offer to your own family, or clothing them, or by freeing a slave. If you cannot afford this, then you shall fast three days. This is the atonement for violating the oaths that you swore to keep. You shall fulfill your oaths. ALLAH thus explains His revelations to you, that you may be appreciative.

[5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed.

[5:91] The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering ALLAH, and from observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Will you then refrain?

[5:92] You shall obey ALLAH, and you shall obey the messenger, and beware. If you turn away, then know that the sole duty of our messenger is to deliver the message efficiently.

[5:93] Those who believe and lead a righteous life bear no guilt by eating any food, so long as they observe the commandments, believe and lead a righteous life, then maintain their piety and faith, and continue to observe piety and righteousness. ALLAH loves the righteous.

[5:94] O you who believe, ALLAH will test you with some game within reach of your hands and your arrows (during pilgrimage). ALLAH thus distinguishes those among you who observe Him in their privacy. Those who transgress after this have incurred a painful retribution.

[5:95] O you who believe, do not kill any game during pilgrimage. Anyone who kills any game on purpose, his fine shall be a number of livestock animals that is equivalent to the game animals he killed. The judgment shall be set by two equitable people among you. They shall make sure that the offerings reach the Ka`bah. Otherwise, he may expiate by feeding poor people, or by an equivalent fast to atone for his offense. ALLAH has pardoned past offenses. But if anyone returns to such an offense, ALLAH will avenge it. ALLAH is Almighty, Avenger.

[5:96] All fish of the sea are made lawful for you to eat. During pilgrimage, this may provide for you during your journey. You shall not hunt throughout the pilgrimage. You shall reverence ALLAH, before whom you will be summoned.

[5:97] ALLAH has appointed the Ka`bah, the Sacred Masjid, to be a sanctuary for the people, and also the Sacred Months, the offerings (to the Sacred Masjid), and the garlands marking them. You should know that ALLAH knows everything in the Heavens and the Earth, and that ALLAH is Omniscient.

[5:98] Know that ALLAH is strict in enforcing retribution, and that ALLAH is Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[5:99] The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message, and ALLAH knows everything you declare and everything you conceal.

[5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence ALLAH, (even if you are in the minority) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed."

[5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. ALLAH has deliberately overlooked them. ALLAH is Forgiver, Clement.

[5:102] Others before you have asked the same questions, then became disbelievers therein.

[5:103] ALLAH did not prohibit livestock that begets certain combinations of males and females, nor livestock liberated by an oath, nor the one that begets two males in a row, nor the bull that fathers ten. It is the disbelievers who invented such lies about ALLAH. Most of them do not understand.

[5:104] When they are told, "Come to what ALLAH has revealed, and to the messenger," they say, "What we found our parents doing is sufficient for us." What if their parents knew nothing, and were not guided?

[5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To ALLAH is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done.

[5:106] O you who believe, witnessing a will when one of you is dying shall be done by two equitable people among you. If you are traveling, then two others may do the witnessing. After observing the Contact Prayer (Salat), let the witnesses swear by ALLAH, to alleviate your doubts: "We will not use this to attain personal gains, even if the testator is related to us. Nor will we conceal ALLAH's testimony. Otherwise, we would be sinners."

[5:107] If the witnesses are found to be guilty of bias, then two others shall be asked to take their places. Choose two persons who were victimized by the first witnesses, and let them swear by ALLAH: "Our testimony is more truthful than theirs; we will not be biased. Otherwise, we will be transgressors."

[5:108] This is more apt to encourage an honest testimony on their part, fearing that their oath may be disregarded like that of the previous witnesses. You shall observe ALLAH and listen. ALLAH does not guide the wicked.

[5:109] The day will come when ALLAH will summon the messengers and ask them, "How was the response to you?" They will say, "We have no knowledge. You are the Knower of all secrets."

[5:110] ALLAH will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary, remember My blessings upon you and your mother. I supported you with the Holy Spirit, to enable you to speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult. I taught you the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel. Recall that you created from clay the shape of a bird by My leave, then blew into it, and it became a live bird by My leave. You healed the blind and the leprous by My leave, and revived the dead by My leave. Recall that I protected you from the Children of Israel who wanted to hurt you, despite the profound miracles you had shown them. The disbelievers among them said, `This is obviously magic.'

[5:111] "Recall that I inspired the disciples: `You shall believe in Me and My messenger.' They said, `We have believed, and bear witness that we are submitters.' "

[5:112] Recall that the disciples said, "O Jesus, son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a feast from the sky?" He said, "You should reverence ALLAH, if you are believers."

[5:113] They said, "We wish to eat from it, and to reassure our hearts, and to know for sure that you have told us the truth. We will serve as witnesses thereof."

[5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider."

[5:115] ALLAH said, "I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else."

[5:116] ALLAH will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, `Make me and my mother idols beside ALLAH?' " He will say, "Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets.

[5:117] "I told them only what You commanded me to say, that: `You shall worship ALLAH, my Lord and your Lord.' I was a witness among them for as long as I lived with them. When You terminated my life on Earth, You became the Watcher over them. You witness all things.

[5:118] "If You punish them, they are Your constituents. If You forgive them, You are the Almighty, Most Wise."

[5:119] ALLAH will proclaim, "This is a day when the truthful will be saved by their truthfulness." They have deserved gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. ALLAH is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. This is the greatest triumph.

[5:120] To ALLAH belongs the sovereignty of the Heavens and the Earth, and everything in them, and He is Omnipotent.